Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia
Cherry pops the question: ‘What’s the big deal about virginity?’
  • By Bennett Bonci
  • |
  • 5th Aug 2017
  • |
  • The Greater Manchester Fringe

Research began with a Google Doc form with a simple prompt: ‘Talk to us about virginity.’ They shared it on Facebook, and ‘in three days,’ says Wain, ‘We got over 27000 words of response.’

When I lost my virginity, I was 18. I met him that day and really didn’t like him that much

They took those online submissions, which they now have over 300 of, and added to them a number of longer, in-person interviews with family and friends, sex-ed teachers, priests, an elderly woman who had sex with only one person in her life, and a victim of sexual assault. They gathered comments from a subreddit where people go to help each other lose their virginity, and a series of sex-ed guidelines from the US Department of Education.

Film was an important source, as well, Brett says. ‘Virginity has, in the media, been portrayed comically, in The Inbetweeners, and American Pie and things. It’s always lost in the most hilarious way possible. To contrast with darker scenes, we have actors lip syncing to some of these shows.’ If you’ve never thought about Fifty Shades of Grey’s treatment of its (initially) virginal heroine, Cherry presents a hilarious opportunity.

After about four months of gathering quotes, Brett and Wain turned their sources into scenes. ‘At first we just came up with moments we were quite interested in representing,’ Wain explains, ‘So we had this Reddit scene, this scene about sex education, a religious scene.’ Brett adds. ‘Once we had the first draft of the script, we took each chunk and asked “what does this scene say in a sentence?” And we did that for the entire script and asked “Does this read as a paragraph?” If it flows, we thought, that works, because we have a through line.’

The show progresses rapidly through this paragraph, rarely spending more than five minutes on a scene. One moment involves a woman being manipulated into giving, and then abused for surrendering, her virginity, delivered by a member of the cast sitting cross-legged, lit largely by the faint glow of fairy lights. Those kinds of stories are important to Brett and Wain, because they’re the ones no one likes to admit to.

Both directors discuss the pressure around virginity and the losing thereof, and the way it impacts young people. Brett says ‘When I lost my virginity, I was 18. I met him that day and really didn’t like him that much, but I knew if I didn’t do it then, I might not have it done by uni.’

For Wain, the gossip and discussion of sex lives got to her. ‘I was at an all girl’s school. I never felt like it bothered me, but when I was about to go to uni I felt like it was a really big deal. I know now that’s quite a universal thing.’The directors say that the pressure, guilt and resentment that can surround those labeled virgin keeps them from entering their sexual lives in a way that helps them find pleasure and fulfillment. And it’s a useless label. Brett reads from his script: ‘We’ve got a nice quote. This is my mum, hilariously. “Surely not being a virgin is about having the power and knowledge and freedom to explore sexual pleasure. No one loses their virginity. You don’t lose anything. You gain experience.”'

Elliot Brett was able to talk to his mum about her experiences of virginity. Surely we can start talking to each other.

Cherry runs from the 9th to the 26th in the Space @ Venue 45. Check times at: http://broadwaybaby.com/shows/cherry/721729

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia
Buy cheap tickets for Cymbeline
Buy cheap tickets for The Cabinet Minister
Buy cheap tickets for Pretty Vacant
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Waiting for Godot
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville