Jenny Bede wants a baby. Or at least, her mum wants her to have a baby. That’s not a spoiler: with funky tunes, audience polls and some not-so-serious soul searching, we are taken on an entertaining journey exploring what it means to be stuck in a body whose wants and needs don’t always match up with your own.
Bede is a whirlwind of movement across the stage, underlining punchlines with lunges, thrusts and waves that hint at a musical theatre background.
With some pretty big life changes taking place this year, Bede balances lighthearted asides with “no but seriously” reveals about her very real and serious break-up over long-term lifetime priorities. There’s no time for self-reflection in this show; moving onwards and upwards, Bede wastes no time in identifying all single and (for want of a better phrase) ready-to-breed men in the audience. Stating at the opening that she intends to be one step closer to having kids by the end, Bede flirts with returning to this narrative throughout the show but, perhaps to the disappointment of the fellas, the structure remains more of an anecdotal collection insead.
There are some great comic gems here, from being the only non-parent at a baby party to a disco song that will help you work out your remaining ‘egg count’. It all paints the picture of an enjoyably manic obsession that provokes several nods of appreciation from the crowd.
With no mic stand in sight, Bede is a whirlwind of movement across the stage, underlining punchlines with lunges, thrusts and waves that hint at a musical theatre background. A talented singer, mover and shaker, several highly catchy numbers are incorporated smoothly into the set, which provide some great highlights of the show. It was a wise move to feature backing vocals on the audio, meaning that by the reprises at least half of the audience are joining in with the choruses.
Ever experienced Facebook baby-envy, dating app confusion or the realisation that family-making has to start somewhere? Or maybe you’re just looking for a good laugh with some original musical comedy? You will find both in Bede’s relatable and fun-to-watch set.
