Reviewer: Megan Hyland
Upstaged rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Following its sold-out debut in Manchester, perky comedy Baggy Bra has now come to Stockport for the Greater Manchester Fringe. Written by Izzy Searle and taking place in Wales’ most beloved (and most lively) bra shop, it focuses on mother and daughter duo, Barb and Eloise. While their business and relationship seems to be thriving, it appears that Barb and Eloise both have something to get off their chests, and all will be revealed whether they like it or not.
Siân Perry Williams stars as boisterous bra shop owner Barb and dazzles in her role from the moment that she bursts into the bar to welcome the audience into the theatre.
Siân Perry Williams stars as boisterous bra shop owner Barb and dazzles in her role from the moment that she bursts into the bar to welcome the audience into the theatre. In Barb, Izzy Searle has created a character that feels instantly familiar and comforting. Something that Williams has perfectly carried into her performance with her quick wit and expert comedic timing. You can equally imagine Barb with her own sitcom and living down the street from you, which is a testament to both Searle’s fantastic ability to build a character and Williams’ effortless performance.
Alongside Williams, Devan Woodward stars in the role of her daughter, Eloise, and brings a great deal of heart to the piece. Woodward has a fantastic ability to convey significant emotional depth with little more than an expression, and perfectly balances this with the comedy of the piece to create something truly exceptional. Her chemistry with Williams is apparent and the relationship they have created between Barb and Eloise is one that will strike a chord with many mothers and daughters up and down the country.
In two supporting roles, we have Harriet Eaton as both Eloise’s best friend Tegan and condescending customer, Carrie. It is an exciting opportunity to play with character and personality that Eaton does not pass up, seamlessly switching between the two characters, both are a pleasure to watch. She plays with accents, mannerisms, and expressions expertly, the way in which she builds her relationships with Barb and Eloise in each character is distinct.
And last (but not least), Ray William Butler brings warmth and sensitivity to the piece as Toolshop Ted, the bra shop’s hapless neighbour that just wants to help. Being the only male in Searle’s playful, feminine-focused world, Butler surprises with a fresh perspective on the macho stereotype of a handyman – Ted is anything but. But what he does bring is a gentleness and sympathetic element to his character that fits right into this heartwarming comedy.
Writer Izzy Searle has managed to create a world that feels familiar and comforting to us. Her writing is warm, witty, and playful.
Writer Izzy Searle has managed to create a world that feels familiar and comforting to us. Her writing is warm, witty, and playful, perfectly portraying the tentative and delicate nature of a mother-daughter relationship in which neither wants to hurt the other. Barb’s battle between doing what’s best for Eloise and what’s best for Barb is both heartwarming and bittersweet, and continues to captivate the audience.
Having partnered with Against Breast Cancer and sending some extremely important messages… Baggy Bra only further enamours audiences even after the final scene, making it just as important as it is hilarious.
Unfortunately, at times some of the jokes were missed in the excitement and fast-moving nature of the piece, which was a shame as it meant that some of Searle’s wit was lost and we were taken out of the fantastic world that she has created. This was further influenced by the lack of consistency in the bras that were being described in the piece not matching the bras that were being held onstage. Whether this was intentional or not, it did impact the immersion of the piece when a customer said she wanted a red lace bra and was given a white cotton one that she was over the moon with. However, these are only minor imperfections that do not detract from the warm and fuzzy feeling that Baggy Bra will leave you with. Having partnered with Against Breast Cancer and sending some extremely important messages about checking yourself, Baggy Bra only further enamours audiences even after the final scene, making it just as important as it is hilarious.
-Megan Hyland
Baggy Bra is running at the Squad House until Saturday 29 July, as part of Greater Manchester Fringe 2023.