The Guilty Feminist Live – Brighton Dome, Brighton

Creator and Presenter: Deborah Frances-White

Featuring: Jessica Hynes, Zoe Lyons, Jess Robinson, Sikisa, Grace Petrie and Laurie Penny

Reviewer: Simon Topping

The elation is palpable in the Brighton Dome for The Guilty Feminist’s first live show since the pandemic, in this sometimes rambling, overly scheduled, but thoroughly enjoyable outing.

The podcast chief, our intelligent and comedic host Deborah Frances-White, marked this occasion by wearing a splendid purple silk cape, to big applause and expertly held the gatherings attention with enthusiasm, off the cuff jokes and audience banter (in this case with mainly with Chris who used to be an elder in the Jehovah’s Witness religious order, where women were not allowed expression, according to Frances-White)

In a moment of deep sincerity, given our current turbulent world, our host encouraged us to come together in celebration in order to fill our cups so we can give more where it is needed and for us to enjoy each moment as it comes, for that is all we really have. With the crowd cheering in support, the night continues in this tone of comedy and jubilation.

A packed line up sees an eclectic mix of comedians, songsmiths, an academic and comedic actress Jessica Hynes take to the stage.

First up in act one the crowd is treated to the comedy styling of a rising star on the comedy scene, Sikisa. The south Londoner brings a tight, hilarious and perfectly delivered set to the room. Talking about a world with parties in (remember those?) and a funny piece on the kind of imagery one receives from men when online dating and the ways in which she and her friends were taking their power back. Her set garners lots of laughs throughout.

Secondly, is the much loved comedic actress and writer Jessica Hynes, well known for her roles in channel four sitcom Spaced, co written with Simon Pegg, to BBC comedy W1A and more recently the touching comedy drama, There She Goes. In a rather under-prepared and anarchic style Hynes produced an endearing but shambolic chat with the audience about her days growing up in Brighton, mentioning the schools she was taught in and reaching out to some childhood friends in the throng. Peppered with humour the ramble moved to plea for us to get out our phones and log on to donate, there and then, to the local domestic abuse charity Rise. Her time ended with a rousing speech, which she had delivered for The Guilty Feminist, at the Royal Albert Hall, about the strength of women that was met with resounding and hearty applause.

Zoe Lyons is up next and as usual, she knocks it out of the park. Lyons has the audience roaring with laughter with her physicality and often self depreciating insights that pack a punch. She expertly delivers memorable jokes that might be recited in the pub later, notably about her hair loss and menopausal sea swimming. Lyons shines, being the stand out star of the act one so far.

Finally this half, we enjoyed the folksy voice of Grace Petrie, a wonderful captivating performer who manages to deliver heart, soul and humour in song form. An accomplished guitarist and singer, her two songs each tell a tale, one of driving from Glastonbury to the birth of her niece and another, the most moving, about finding her way as a self described ‘butch lesbian’ in a gender binary world, ultimately coming to accept herself.

The long first half ran over time and could have been a show in itself, but the audience is waiting for the discussion part of the evening after the interval. We were not let down by the guest speaker. Author of eight books Laurie Penny, is eloquent, fascinating and the most insightful speaker of the evening. It would have been satisfying to hear more from Penny and the panel talking about the writer’s latest book, Sexual Revolution: Modern Fascism and the Feminist Fightback but time is against the night and as a result this interesting debate, with Penny, Lyons, Hynes and Frances-White, is unfortunately rushed and cut short. Chaired by Frances White the quick witted Lyons again makes the audience double over with giggles with her observations.

All too soon the night briskly ends. To lead out the show is the beautiful singing voice of Jess Robinson who captivates the audience with a story about her grandmother who had rescued 70 children from the holocaust.

This highly fun, yet overly jam packed night, almost feels like a mini festival. Full of belly laughs and a huge appreciation for being back together, the sense of comradery prevails. It would have been improved if the second half discussion had been longer and the first act shorter, so there was space for the insightful feminist author to bring the more deeply thought provoking material to the forefront. However, all in all it is an enjoyable live return for this well loved podcast.

Reviewed on 6th March 2022. On tour throughout the UK.