Dirty Corset – Godber Studio, Hull Truck Theatre

Co-Creators: Chloe Darke, Susannah Scott and Laurie Caldwell

Director: Helen Tennison

As part of Hull Truck’s Grow Season, which by the looks of it is an exciting programme of events, tonight’s offering is somewhat of an acquired taste. As bawdy as you’d expect from a restoration comedy, Dirty Corset certainly lives up to its title. Bang Average Theatre’s production is both filthy and flirtatious and their commitment to the art form should be commended. The players are deft in movement and form and in this, a cathartic pastiche, the darkly honest performances are played out with an ardent quality and with true appreciation for the style.

Accomplished and thought-provoking, with hints of commedia dell’arte, the three actors (Chloe Darke, Susannah Scott and Laurie Caldwell) are far from prudish with a no-holds-barred approach to the genre. They attack the wordy dialogue with aplomb and the pace is perfectly pitched. Rhythmic and with a strong aesthetic the play reeks with a draconian and Brechtian style. The three work incredibly hard to bring this darkly comic story to life. With an intelligent sense of pathos, this is a strong physical comedy.

Playing around with so many theatrical conventions this zany but brilliantly bonkers romp is, as one would expect, pompous and melodramatic. At times it verges on art for arts sake but this is still a highly entertaining evening at the theatre. It is flirty, frivolous fun.

Reviewed on 28th April 2023. Currently touring.