Stepping into 'Guilty' feels like looking into a mirror that reflects both the gritty reality and the profound struggles faced by women in today's society. This bold cabaret, presented by Inscape Assembly at Anywhere Festival, takes the audience on an intensely emotional, yet often hilarious journey, weaving together scenes, songs, interviews, and commentary. With the inclusion of impactful statistics and first-hand quotes, the show effectively amplifies the voices of women and sheds light on our shared experiences.
The story includes four distinct female characters, plus two male characters who play various roles. Abigail Ellerton takes on the role of Jane, our primary narrator, who introduces us to:
- Flirty Florence (Maegan Weir): A fashion influencer who loves dressing up, posting sexy outfits, and conducting nude art workshops. She is described as the "token straight character".
- Sexy Sadie (Gillian Thompson): Florence’s fun-loving and fiercely loyal flatmate, who enjoys casual relations with both men and women.
- Moaning Myrtle (Isabella Kirkwood): A uni student from a conservative religious background, working at the bookstore and secretly passionate about smutty fiction.
- Plain Jane (Abigail Ellerton): Last but not least, our lovely lesbian Jane. When she's not busy studying or working at the bookstore, you can find her tearing up the dance floor and sipping on a drink or two.
- Noah (Joshua Price) and Ethan (JJ Jones), are a whirlwind of energy, portraying Sadie’s best bros as they engage in debates about feminist topics and share their wild dating stories and sexual escapades.
What stands out immediately is the authenticity of the dialogue. I learned that 250 individuals from QUT were surveyed, and all the quotes featured in the production are real and anonymous. This direct connection to real-life experiences adds a visceral depth to the show, engaging the audience as active participants in a broader discussion. Held at Bloodhound - a bar in Fortitude Valley - this choice of venue adds legitimacy to the story, placing these Aussie girls in a relatable environment. The cast uses the entire space, transforming the upper level of Bloodhound Bar into a dynamic stage with a runway through the audience that creates an intimate experience. Plus, by enjoying their signature cocktails "The Smut Queen" and "The J Name," audience members can fully immerse themselves in the 'wild night'.
The show kicks off with an energetic performance of "Wild Nights," a playful take on Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." The cast all give excellent performances, with standout comedic work by Kirkwood, Weir, and Jones, injecting some humorous relief into the show. Gillian Thompson shines as Sadie, impressing with her vocal battle against the boys in a comedic number titled "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Bleeding". The costumes, presumably chosen by the cast themselves, reflect their characters’ unique styles beautifully.
A standout moment unfolds as Isabella Kirkwood leads "Smut Queen," a spoof of Rihanna's "S&M," unveiling Myrtle's hidden passion for spicy literature. Maegan Weir gives a touching performance of "Your Best Kept Secret," to the tune of Taylor Swift's "Love Story." This heartfelt interpretation delves into Florence's feelings of being used or concealed by her boyfriends, when all she desires is a fairytale romance. Weir's stunning vocals, brimming with emotion, resonated with me on a deeper level than I care to admit.
The emotional shifts throughout 'Guilty' are almost dizzying—one moment, I was laughing like a maniac; the next, I was on the verge of a meltdown from anger. Throughout the performance, cast members present quotes and statistics to segue into the next scene, touching on topics like virginity, catcalling, harassment, masturbation, and assault - e.g. “Despite the statistics, I never thought it would happen to me.” These interspersed moments of reality serve to anchor the cabaret in genuine human experiences and prompt deep contemplation from the audience.
The second act marks a significant tonal shift as the show delves into heavier material. Beginning with "Cell Block Tango" - or rather "She Had It Coming" - where the four women divulge their traumatic and harrowing experiences that they have kept hidden. These revelations, ranging from leaked nudes and coerced sexual encounters to near-assaults and drugged drinks, are unfiltered and gut-wrenching, bringing a palpable tension to the room.
Abigail Ellerton as Jane delivers a heart-wrenching monologue that culminates in the original song “Guilty,” composed by Alex Wilson and Haley Meekan, with lyrics by Mak Harris. This solo is a powerful expression of the shame, confusion, and anger that many survivors feel, and it’s one of the most moving moments in the show. The second act also features several other intense scenes, including a cruel argument between Florence and Sadie, a failed kiss attempt between Myrtle and Jane, and a painful confrontation between Ethan and Sadie. These moments are interspersed with lighter, more humorous scenes, like the boys versus girls swiping through Tinder, providing a well-balanced narrative that never feels overwhelming despite the heavy subject matter.
The performances by JJ Jones and Joshua Price add a brilliant layer of both comedy and discomfort to 'Guilty'. Their portrayal of multiple male characters offers a perspective that flip-flops between being hilarious and infuriating. JJ Jones shines with his impeccable improv and sharp comedic timing. Whether he's playing the role of a gym bro, debating the best pick-up lines, or conducting a probing interview, Jones has a knack for connecting with the audience. His ability to switch gears between being a charming joker to a source of discomfort is truly impressive. Joshua Price complements Jones perfectly. His portrayal of Noah, the mate who 'jokingly' suggests a threesome with Sadie, treads a fine line between jest and sincerity. Price's performance ensures that Noah remains a character who, despite his flaws, is trying to navigate the complexities of modern masculinity.
One of the show's most powerful aspects is when, towards the end, the women step out of their roles to speak directly to the audience. At this moment, the actors, visibly emotionally drained, remind us that although they are playing fictional characters, they represent very real women whose stories deserve to be heard. It’s a powerful call to action, urging the audience to reflect on the issues presented and to engage in meaningful conversations about feminism and the treatment of women in society.
The production team, led by writer and director Madeleine Keeble, writers Scarlett Hughes, Jaide Camilleri, and their skilled crew, have crafted an important, timely piece of theatre that holds up a mirror to society and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths. I feel privileged to have experienced it as part of the audience. As I left the venue, the reality of the show’s message hit me hard. Just today, as I sat at a bus stop at 11am, I was subjected to catcalling by a man driving by, leaving me feeling enraged all over again. This show is not just a performance; it’s a reflection of the world we live in — a world where women are still fighting to be heard, to be respected, and to live without feeling guilty for their mere existence.
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