Writer and perforner: Selena Mersey
A dazzling hour of burlesque and comedy joy, Madonna/Whore invites us into the mind of musical comedian and anxious bisexual, Selena Mersey, as she tries to overcome overthinking.
Mersey’s performance sparkles in every area. She entrances from the moment she steps into the room, the spotlight landing on her in her silk dressing gown and gloves, looking every part the cabaret star. She begins her first musical number, a smooth, sultry ballad – or so we think, until the chorus comes, professing her passionate love for an electric piano.
Every song is hilarious and fresh. The audience reaction is incredible as Mersey sings her way through musical jokes, a lingerie-wearing impression of Sigmund Freud, and much more, with clever lyric after clever lyric. The sold-out venue is full of laughter from start to finish, but are also so enrapt that the laughter always stops in time to hear the next line.
Madonna/Whoremay sound like it is trying to keep a lot of balls in the air – it covers both burlesque and comedic musical numbers, psychology, multiple costume changes, and personal discussions of relationships, queerness, mental health, gender roles – just to name a few. However Mersey has both the talent and charisma to juggle all these topics. Nothing feels rushed; no area is weaker than another. She is equally delightful as a musician, as a burlesque performer, and as a storyteller.
Her ability to move smoothly from one segment to another makes for a slick and easy show to watch. Even when an audience member is pulled up on stage and Mersey menacingly dons a single latex glove, everything feels safe. While Madonna/Whoreis certainly raunchy, Mersey very firmly creates a safe space for everyone in the room. At no point are we scared for her audience volunteer (as some may often be in a burlesque show!) and they leave the stage with nothing worse than a lollipop and a round of applause.
While completely hilarious, there is also plenty of heart in Madonna/Whore. It is no accident that the space feels so safe and welcoming. Mersey is open about her experiences without being graphic or dumping emotion onto the audience. Is it certainly a comedy show, but there are genuine moments of tenderness that offer far more than that. There isn’t a perfect happy ending of overcoming everything – the struggles that Mersey, and so many others, face are still out there. It is not untainted and complete queer joy, but Mersey gives us a message of queer hope, and queer healing. That, despite it all, there is still a dance to be danced, and a story to tell, and a song to sing.
Heartfelt and hilarious, Freudian and filthy,Madonna/Whoreis a must-see that will make anyone smile. Mersey is a star of the Fringe.
Runs until 4 June 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Saucy bisexual brilliance
