Sugar Coat Review, Southwark Playhouse

Sugar Coat is a vibrant coming-of-age story exploring themes of miscarriage, sexual assault and sexuality, partially told through original music inspired by the Riot Grrrl bands of the 1990s.

Image: Sugar Coat. Photo by Ali Wright

Written by Joel Samuels and Lilly Pollard, the show kicks off with the introduction of our storytellers, the band Sugar Coat, setting the scene for the 90-minute performance. The all female and non-binary band guide us through one women’s exploration of sexuality starting with her first relationship with a boy called Dean, through to a polygamous relationship that can be characterised by compassion and understanding.

Image: Sugar Coat. Photo by Ali Wright

Sugar Coat covers many difficult themes but what is most standout is the study of the subject of miscarriage, told through a brutal monologue delivered by the main character. Her description of miscarrying is visceral and necessary, focusing on the trauma of feeling let down by your own body and the indelicacy with which many women are treated in such an awful moment. The audience are shocked by some of the lines delivered by doctors and nurses, particularly as we know the play is based on a true story and therefore, these are likely to have been inspired by real conversations.

Image: Sugar Coat. Photo by Ali Wright

Overall, Sugar Coat is a confronting piece of theatre, filled with moments of laughter, distress and a lot of feminist rocking. Though each cast member plays several characters, their acting never falters, making this an energetic and bold performance.

Date: until 22 April 2023. Location: Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD. Price: from £25. Concessions available. Book now.

Words by Emma Chadwick