Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World at the Belgrade Theatre
- AnxiousTheatregoer
- Feb 14, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Fantastically great fun for all the family. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and I think that it has an incredibly important meaning behind it. No one is ordinary, everyone is extraordinary! Personally, I think those are words to live by and regardless of age everyone should try and see this show at least once as it is truly eye-opening and shows that everyone is fantastically great and can change the world in their way. This show is feminism in 1hr 25 minutes of pure joy and I truly left feeling inspired and educated. The reason I say everyone, regardless of age should see this show, is that this show is aimed at younger and does have some moments that make this a bit clearer but I still had the best time and genuinely left feeling more motivated than when I arrived and that is why I truly believe this show should be on everyone's must-watch list.
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*
My Review:
I went into this show completely blind and had a fabulous time. Being sat front-row was incredible and hilarious simultaneously, especially as I did not expect to be told to stop chewing gum at the start of the show and generally be treated like a child on a school trip for the first few minutes during the song Quiet Children. However, this opening is incredibly interactive and sets the atmosphere for the whole show as being uplifting and comedic. The show then transitions into the ballad, I'm Here, which was brilliantly performed by Georgia Grant-Anderson who boasts a stunning voice, and acts as such a powerful moment which ends in Jade entering the Gallery of Greatness, acting as a well-placed guide into the main feature of the show which the Fantastically Great Women in the Gallery of Greatness. The next song is Where Do You Wanna Go? which is performed by Leah Vassel, Elena Breschi and Chloe Hart and truly sets the tone for the rest of the show as being an upbeat and empowering experience. Then Jen Caldwell enters as Emmeline Pankhurst to lead Deeds Not Words which features audience participation and showcases the talent and range of Jen Caldwell. After this, the audience meets Frida Khalo played by Elena Breschi who goes on to lead World of Colour and showcases her beautiful voice, and this is such a vibrant and visually pleasing moment in the show. Mary, Mary and Marie is such a fun song that was educational but also so entertaining to watch and extremely catchy, this song brilliantly showcases Leah Vassel, Elena Breschu, Chloe Hart and Jen Caldwell whilst also proving that every woman is a superhero and can change the world no matter how small their acts may feel, which such an important for girls and women everywhere. After this upbeat moment, we slowly move into Rosa's Lullaby, which is a beautifully moving moment of the show that is perfectly performed by Leah Vassel. This serves as a reminder that life is not without its challenges but that is okay as we can overcome challenges and it will all be okay in the end, whilst also reminding the audience that they are not alone in their challenges and there will always be someone there to support and help them in good and bad times. The show ends with Fantastically Great, which is performed by the full cast and is genuinely the perfect end to this show as it solidifies the message that you can do whatever you put your mind to but that just being here and being you is amazing.
This show should absolutely be seen by all, the message is so important and if that was enough persuasion then the show itself is amazing. Boasting stunning sets and a phenomenal cast, this really is a fantastically great show!
Content Warnings:
This show does not have any triggering moments during the show as it is aimed more at younger children. However, it does include the use of bright lights and has loud moments. The most noticeable loud moment is during Frida Kahlo's song, which is shown by the drummer coming down from their main place on the stage and playing using paint pots on the centre stage, this lasts for about 2 minutes and could be too loud for some people.
Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)
- AnxiousTheatregoer
