Isobel Jacob
“Despite being a lover girl, I am always single… I think this is a systemic issue.”
In this totally original and hilarious solo show, Temi Wilkey blurs the lines between stand-up, theatre and cabaret as she immerses the audience into her internal monologue (literally). The show begins with Wilkey’s confession to the audience that she has always been unlucky in love, immediately establishing a charismatic and slightly clueless persona who just doesn’t understand how she doesn’t have a queue of potential lovers just dying to date her. And so we join her for this “live advertisement for my hand in marriage”. As we venture further into the depths of Wilkey’s mind (and body), Lover Girl becomes a theatrical extravaganza: singing, dancing and anecdotal self-reflection turns into a deep, intimate and genuinely touching piece about relationships, self-worth and accepting yourself in your entirety.
Gloriously queer and unapologetically seductive, Lover Girl takes place on a highly effective set decadently decked out with red velvet and a sumptuous chaise longue. Seemingly spontaneous passing comments from the beginning of the show eventually become part of the show’s powerful and personal conclusion, transforming the luxurious red stage into a much more intimate and down-to-earth space.
Wilkey has us hooked from before she even enters the stage. Her authentic and compelling storytelling takes us on a journey from her “infinity pussy” to orgasms to first girlfriends, and she is entirely compelling and tremendously physical as she does so. Including a genuinely fantastic explanation of bisexuality, and subtle yet potent reflections on her identity as a queer Black woman, Wilkey is not afraid to be scripted and embraces the dramatic and theatrical elements of the show. Its neat structure also empowers her to find endearing and raw reactions in the moment, too. I would have perhaps liked Wilkey to spend longer in the concluding scenes where she tied everything together, and would have also been keen to see more of her brilliant audience interactions, because these moments were so well-executed, and I think she could have pushed them further.
Regardless, I would whole-heartedly recommend getting tickets to see this show as soon as you can. In the words of Wilkey herself, everyone should be “Temi-sexual”.
Recommended Drink: Indulge in a glass of your favourite red wine.
Temi Wilkey: Lover Girl is on at Pleasance Courtyard until 30 August from 14:40 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Shay Mace
Romeo Lau
Freddie Haberfellner
