Tom Clayton
All singing, all dancing this excitable musical is all about the journey that thousands of people with uteruses go on when trying to understand their own bodies and make sense of the changes and pain that they go through.
Post the opening number, we meet Jane who is a hardworking high flyer at work. This is until whenever her periods begin and she gets unbearable pain. She speaks to doctor after doctor; none of them able to recognise or correctly diagnose what’s causing all her pain. This is until she eventually sees a specialist, who finally is able to give her the time and does eventually give the correct diagnosis of Endometriosis.
This musical is incredibly silly and over the top, not making light but allowing the material to be accessible and easy to understand for anyone with any level of knowledge about the condition. The appearance of each new (often male) doctor highlights how the health of someone with a uterus is so misunderstood and lacking in research.
The soundtrack is a fun and uplifting one, being witty and catchy like all good musical soundtracks should be. Each song serving a purpose throughout to help plot or character growth, they never feel forced or unnecessary at any point. The choreography to accompany these songs is first rate, time and care has clearly gone in to make sure that everything about the show is as good as it could be.
The diagnosis in the musical eventually comes right towards the end, reminiscent of the fact that it takes over 10 years on average to be diagnosed. A frustrating and sad fact that people with uteruses are not being listened to and that so little is still known about this disease.
In the UK 1 in 10 people with uteruses have Endometriosis (this goes up to 1 in 7 worldwide) and this condition takes on average 10 years to diagnose. With symptoms similar to other illnesses like fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and irritable bowel syndrome, it is regularly misdiagnosed. Many tests when looking into the pain can bring back negative results indicating that the person with a uterus appears perfectly healthy.
Endometriosis: The Musical is a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting experience. Highlighting the struggle of someone with endometriosis while remaining enjoyable and engaging. This musical is well worth a watch and you’ll leave having learnt a thing or two as well.
Recommended Drink: A peppermint tea, something soothing and comforting.
Catch Endometriosis: The Musical at Doonstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House from 5-31 August (not 17, 24) at 16:00 (60 mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Hannah Hamilton
Finlay Clench
Salvador Kent
