Creators: Shamira Turner and Eugénie Pastor
Iron Fantasy sounds like the title of a porn film…but let’s not go there. Or, a video about how to achieve a rock-hard core. Or a Gladiators spin-off special. Such a strange title forces you to enter the top floor of Soho Theatre with trepidation and an open mind. Who knows what to expect? A show inspired by the question, ‘What does it mean to be strong?’ You can expect 75 minutes of hilarity, top-notch buffoonery, aching vulnerability and some profound insights into the human condition.
Shamira Turner and Eugénie Pastor, AKA She Goat, a female double act, provide contemporary clowning, music, choreographed movement and conversational repartee. Two years in the making, the question “What does it mean to be strong?” was put to children, teenagers and elders. Their responses, combined with the performers’ personal experiences, make up this irresistible, hilarious show. Strength is pursued through comical workouts, drinking raw eggs and re-enacting Xena: Warrior Princess, but the cold truth of reality has a nasty habit of interrupting.
Turner and Pastor have been working together for 18 years, and what might look like spontaneous, on the hoof comedy, theatre and cabaret is the result of a craft honed over years and a rigorous, playful rehearsal/devising process. Like all the best double acts, you can’t imagine one without the other, and they each bring humour into the room before saying a single word. The stringy limbs of Shamira Turner recall Olive Oyl or the Wilson, Keppel & Betty 1930s Sand Dance. Pastor has the large, round eyes of a Pierrot clown, and is able to offer up some winsome atmos on her flute as well as heartfelt stories of her own.
There is, of course, a serious message secreted in the styrofoam medieval costumes and armour constructed from kitchen utensils. The mess we now find ourselves in globally is all predicated on the Iron Fantasy of the Strong Man that large swathes of the population have bought into. While politics with a big P is not part of this show, sexual and gender politics are, and the reality of living in a female body within a patriarchy—the daily micro-aggressions and normalised, predatory behaviour of some of the male sex against women—is something confronted head-on. You have to laugh, or you would cry.
Impressively crafted, skilfully executed, and astutely observed, this is a must-see show for every miserable commuter, worn-out office worker, anyone anxious, overwhelmed or disappointed, anyone who ever had their heart broken or trust betrayed. All should check out Iron Fantasy, not only for the belly laughs, lyrical folk songs and surreal capers, but to feel better, lighter, happier, and to reflect on how strong we actually are.
Runs until 21 March 2026
