Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia
Saving Britney: Prologue

When thrust into the circus, it can never be easy to tame the lions. No words can be more true for the princess of pop, Britney Spears, who throughout this one-woman show, teaches us to dissect the tragedy of her troubled censorship.

Delivers a true masterclass of what it means to be part of the Britney Army.

A few months after the release of the New York Times' documentary Framing Britney Spears, the ongoing movement of #FreeBritney continued to grow and secure itself in the public image and highlight the effects of her censorship and personal struggles throughout her career. Shocking revelations were brought to light, fans rallied together for their superstar and this production company, Fake Escape channeled in on this movement to deliver Saving Britney: The Prologue.

Set on a live video feed within the walls of a Britney Spears' Facebook group, we are introduced to Jean (Sheeran Roushbaiani), a modern-day Nancy Drew with a passion for all things Britney and pre-2010. A quirky and loveable character, we soon become fully invested with Jean’s conspiracy theories regarding her idol, as she narrates the ongoing tragedies and parallels of their lives. Roushbaiani delivers a true masterclass of what it means to be part of the Britney Army. This is infused with the desire to educate the audience concerning her beloved celebrity.

Jean discusses the many hurdles Britney has encountered throughout her career – made evident from the pinboard shrine on the wall – from the censorship battle with her father to the treatment from her record company, Jive Records. Continuing with the star’s struggles, Jean even goes as far as to compare Britney with the Mona Lisa – a face known by all, but a story that is still an enigma. This clever imagery clearly highlights that regardless of how well we think we know a person, we can never appreciate what they are going through.

Moments of fun resonate throughout the production, with helpful nudges to iconic nineties and early noughties such as ice cream Chewits; the infamous Titanic ending scene and having a cheeky Smirnoff Ice while dancing along to your CD player. In contrast, the story dives into the hidden messages of misogyny; internet trolling and suicide. In essence, this show has it all, and the writers of the production (David Shopland and Roushbaiani) are definitely ones to keep an eye out for.

As the title suggests, this is just the beginning of the story: one which we will definitely be returning to for the next installment. This show is not to be missed and should continue to promote the legacy of our beloved princess of pop. Saving Britney: The Prologue delivers a passionate homage to justice and truth that left me eating every delivered word. A definite hidden gem against the norm.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Gareth Williams

Edinburgh Playhouse

Aladdin

★★★★
Queen Elizabeth Hall

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

★★★
Alexandra Palace

Bugsy Malone The Musical

★★★★
King's Head Theatre Pub

Harry's Christmas

★★★★
Arts Theatre

QUEENZ: The Show with BALLS!

★★★★
The Other Palace

GHOSTED – Another F***ing Christmas Carol

★★★★★

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

On national TV aged seven, a superstar by sixteen and committed to a mental institution by the age of 25. Millennials like Jean, idolised Britney Spears. Saving Britney sees the iconic star from Jean’s perspective; why the Princess of Pop influenced her life and how the connections they shared led Jean to an unbelievable moment of self-discovery.

Inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, it's hilarious and heartbreaking; a look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early noughties.

Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for MJ The Musical
MJ The Musical

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Figaro: An Original Musical
Figaro: An Original Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mean Girls
Mean Girls

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cabaret
Cabaret

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto
Buy cheap tickets for How to Survive Your Mother
Buy cheap tickets for Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist
Buy cheap tickets for Les Miserables
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for Giant
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
Buy cheap tickets for Dr Strangelove
Buy cheap tickets for Expendable
Buy cheap tickets for Frankie Valli