It’s not every day you hear of a West End show completely and utterly devoted to the empowerment of Women. Although, in 2019 shows do appear to be becoming more inclusive and celebrating women in more ways than ever. There are very few shows that do this in a way that could even dream of comparing to Emilia, a play that is currently inspiring audiences in London night after night.
Having previously played at Shakespeare’s Globe and now playing at the Vaudeville Theatre on The Strand, Emilia tells the story of 17th century woman, Emilia Bassano; A writer, known by many for wanting her voice to be heard, and thought by many to be the inspiration for a number of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Even more so, a woman who has somehow been erased from all of England’s history.
Three actresses of varying ages (Saffron Coomber, Adelle Leonce, and Clare Perkins) take on the role of Emilia – breathing life into Bassano’s forgotten story across different stages of her life. Through a hilarious, down to earth, close to home production, and together with a hugely diverse female cast, Emilia is finally given a voice. Whilst simultaneously encouraging others, women in particular, to use the voice they are so fortunate to have. For themselves, for their fellow women, for the women that came before them and those that will come after them.
Tickets for this show can also be seen as some of the most reasonable in the West End. With the most expensive tickets coming in at around £85.00, but the majority being sold at a price mark of £30.00 or less, it is evident that producers want this show to be accessible and able to be seen by all, and once you see the show it becomes clear why.
Written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, this extraordinary piece tells of Emilia’s grievances, her triumphs and hardships, and above all puts a huge emphasis on her need to have a voice in a time when women were shunted, scorned and sometimes even burnt alive for speaking out. Though set almost four hundred years ago, the hard-hitting message that this show sends remains the same. That as women, our fight is not over yet, we are reminded of how far females have come, but we’re also reminded of how far we have to go. With a final speech from the leading lady telling audiences ‘If they try to burn you, may your fire be stronger than theirs, so you can burn the whole fucking house down.’, this fiery, passionate, and empowering show is certainly not one to be missed.
Emilia is playing at the Vaudeville Theatre, London until the 1st June 2019. Tickets are available at https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/emilia/.
Chloe Rose
