Growler
  • By Darryl Jo
  • |
  • 10th Aug 2023
  • |
  • ★★★★

Sprouting out from a geyser of the primordial soups o' being comes Growler – The 82-year old drum banging, shamanic vulva. But don't let the name or description fool you – she's anything but geriatric or menopausal.

Go in with an open mind (and heart) and you will leave with a fresh perspective on life

Growler is an elixir of truth in a seemingly lost world. It's a story about you – not her. She is the teacher and you are the student, so sit back and get ready to take some notes.

The show begins as you're plunged into darkness, in a cozy amphitheater filled with dense, ethereal fog, and out from a shimmering portal in the masonry appears Growler, wielding a mile high totem pole staff and a cart full of witchy pick 'n' mix. The mood is set – there's no going back now, and not that you'd want to.

An eruption of neat prose pours out from her lips (take your mind out of the gutter), and with each heart-drawn stanza spoken, she pulls you further, further, and further yet away from the world you once knew – making you question your very nature: Who am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here?

The story is that of an alchemical journey, guided by your friendly neighborhood shamanic vulva, taking you from your lowest state(s) of being (anger, violence, hatred, etc.) to your purest form and vibration, which is love – and it all starts with loving the person you know (or at least should know) best; YOURSELF.

Alchemy: The transmutation of base metal, or lead into gold – or so they'd have you believe. In actual fact, true alchemy is of an immaterial nature, and Growler takes it upon herself to reveal some forgotten ancient wisdom here – so listen carefully.

Growler is an unforgettable experience. Go in with an open mind (and heart) and you will leave with a fresh perspective on life. Growler (The 82-year old drum banging, shamanic vulva and not the play – c'mon, keep up!) is a resurrected healer of old, and she's here to take you on a journey of self-discovery; if you'd let her – so get out of your own way, and go pay your local Growler a visit.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Darryl Jo

Summerhall

Growler

★★★★
Underbelly, Cowgate

Life with Oscar

★★★★★
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall

God Done Opened the Sky!!

★★★
Traverse Theatre

ADULTS

★★★★★

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 review 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

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Growler is an 82-year-old, drum-banging shamanic vulva. She's wise as witches, with a tongue like a lash and a heart of gold. She'll take you on an alchemical, theatrical odyssey on her quest to 'heal the past to heal the future'. Through storytelling, spoken word, song and comedy, no stone is left unturned and no one is left behind. Confronting and adorable, blazing the streets with her message to 'love the eejit out of ourselves', Growler is an inferno at which we can remember our common humanity and warm the cockles of our collective heart.

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