First comes love, then comes equal marriage... Real-life married couple Heleana and Sophia Blackwell grew up with Section 28, late-night lesbian films, and a desire to get out of their hometowns. Through comedy, poetry, and the occasional song and dance, the couple takes a frank and left-field look at what happens before and after love at first sight. Wife Material includes dating disasters, lockdown love, and the similarities and differences between Italian and West Indian mothers, plus advice on the best way to fit a duvet cover and how to cope with being slut-shamed by your bank. Directed by multi-award-winning comedian Maria Shehata, Wife Material is a celebration of silliness, chosen family, and queer joy. Heleana Blackwell is a stand-up comedian and Max Turner Prize semi-finalist who has performed at a range of top London nights such as The LOL Word at Battersea Arts Centre, Foc it Up at 21Soho and 2Northdown, and Brighton and Camden Fringes 2022. Sophia Blackwell is a performance poet, and radio and podcast host for Resonance FM, The Polari Podcast, and Virgin Radio Pride. Her most recent poetry collection with Burning Eye Books, The Other Woman, was longlisted for the Polari Prize.

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.

Show me the charities

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