Reviewer: Elise Gallagher
Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Bloody Elle, a gig musical, is the first piece of performance to see the Royal Exchange Round in over 14 months.
Performed and written by Lauryn Redding, the piece is a one-woman show telling the story of Elle, exploring her growth, queer love and identity. The autobiographical piece is made up of a jigsaw of monologue, commentary with Kae Tempest-like delivery, impressions and live music performance.
Redding carries the show with a likable cheek, easily navigating the hurdles COVID-19 presents, side sweeping her way into every other character involved in her story, complete with accent and mannerisms. The only character she doesn’t do this frequently for or stops doing this for altogether is Eve – her love. Ultimately Redding gives her voice life at the end of the play, which echoes around the round.
The set (Amanda Stoodley) is made up of a series of black platforms of differing heights which have a white paint splatter effect across their tops. It’s a very simple set-up with pub-style tables and stools (complete with tea lights in frosted holders) orbiting the stage, making Elle the centre of our universe.
Her unwavering love for ‘Cloud Rises’, the choreography for her looking over her kingdom, and the warm light mimicking a soft pink sunset were show highlights.
Redding does an incredible job of conducting the show alone. However, for a performance entirely focused and delivered by one person, it felt as if the show was hindered in its flow. The set design is from one palette occasionally punctuated with white light. The choreography, rhythm, and at times even the lyrics, are repeated throughout the piece, giving the performance a repetitive feel.
Director and Joint Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Bryony Shanahan returns with her winning formula of live music, last seen with the haunting, show-stealing score of Wuthering Heights by Sophie Galpin & Becky Wilkie. The show is at its strongest with Redding’s amazing vocal performances which lace her monologue.
With gig musicals, it’s hard to hit the perfect note – but despite this, Bloody Elle marks a safe return for the Exchange.
-Elise Gallagher
Bloody Elle plays at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester until 7 July 2021.