Review: My Female Husband, Old Red Lion Theatre

Camden Fringe

Review: My Female Husband, Old Red Lion Theatre

Summary

Rating

80

Excellent

A moving, yet at times funny tragedy based on real historical accounts, which examines queer identities in the 18th century but that is all too relevant to contemporary culture.

In a small theatre above the one of the oldest pubs in London, everyone is squeezed in tight for a sold-out performance of My Female Husband. The seating on hard wooden benches aptly fits the courtroom drama about to unfold.

The idea of marriage between husband and wife is thrust into the spotlight of the courtroom when Eliza (Katie Driver) accuses Henry (Frank Bertoletti) of deceiving her, pretending to be a man throughout their seven year marriage when she is in fact biologically a woman. Although this is just where the lies begin, as a tumultuous unravelling of subterfuge leaves the audience questioning who is really telling the truth. 

The blurring of fiction and reality underscores the prejudices towards gender and identity in the 18th century, of the secrecy essential to survive for queer individuals. What becomes strikingly apparent is that these problems are rooted in patriarchal culture, of a male-dominated power structure that risks being uprooted. Eliza faces discrimination as a woman seeking to discredit her husband and Henry, male-presenting, is vilified for what is deemed a threat to society. 

As it transpires that neither of the two are wholly right or wrong, the focus is certainly placed on the craft of the characters. A minimalist set enables the well-written multi-facetedness of the characters to shine; the exploration of queer identities is rooted in authenticity of representation, of both the good and bad experiences. Moments of fragility explore the difficulties of living as a queer individual, unable to authentically live their truth because of societal expectations. Though largely a heavy subject matter, witty lines performed with a cheeky tone bring much needed fragments of relief. 

Superbly directed by Phoebe Grove, the two actors each alternate between a variety of characters, including the judge and family members, to interrogate the marriage. They offer a skilful ability to quickly switch characters without seeming confusing or awkward. With an evident good chemistry, they harmoniously complement each other. Neither is phased by the audience, but rather utilise them to add to the ambience of the courtroom setting, encouraging audience engagement at high points of drama. Giving whoops and boos, the spectators became part of the show itself as witnesses to the court proceedings. 

Amply entertaining yet heart-wrenching, the show’s historical context feels all too applicable to the contemporary. Not only does it showcase the reality of identifying as queer in the 18th century, but it poses questions about acceptance in the modern age, showcasing how much further we still have to progress. 

My Female Husband is a debut play from TOMBOY Productions. For their first production, it is masterfully written and excellently performed. Although their current run has finished, I’m intrigued to see what they produce next.

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Writer – Billie Billington 

Director – Phoebe Grove

Producer – Eliza Jones

My Female Husband has finished its run at the Old Red Lion Theatre. Further information about TOMBOY productions can be found here.

You can read more about this show in our recent interview with TOMBOY Productions here.