“It’s like, literally, the funnest nite evah!
The choreography joyful and so reminiscent of MTV you will laugh your mask off. “
– Kate Stratford 5 backstreet boys
It’s like, literally, the funnest nite evah!
It is full of joy, humour, excitement, energy and strangely familiar pop music. It is also a beautifully sincere, authentic coming of age celebration lovingly explored through the very medium which dominates teenage girls’ lives.
It is the brilliant Yve Blakes’ Fangirls, returning after a sensational debut season and multiple awards and, as Molly would say, do yourself a favour. Buy a ticket.
Whilst the first half is a delightful depiction of teenage girls attempting to resolve the girl/woman/witch/warrior/daughter/friend within, the second act strides into its own as an exposé of both society’s double standards and the music industry. When boys show fandom for footballers or cricketers, society applauds them. Teenage girls are told constantly that what they are is simply not good enough. Too fat, too flat, not enough and perhaps even disgusting. When these fangirls crush on a pretty boy in a band, they are derided and jeered. A construct of the music industry, these pretty boys sing love songs aimed at an adolescent girl’s need to be accepted and loved. Merchandising decorates their rooms, accessories and clothes. You can have a pillow with your true love’s face on it and so sleep with him.
Edna (Karis Oka) is desperately in love with Harry (Ayden) – the lead singer in True Connection (the best boy band evah!). So are her besties Jules (Chika Ikogwe) and Brianna (Shrubshri Kandiah). All of them will do anything – “literally anything!” – to see him in concert. Edna will go even further to meet him and set him free because only she understands the real Harry.
This is the world of school and best friends and love on the school bus and online connections. Of you tube and text messaging and selfies and selfishness and self-awareness. Smart design (David Muratore) enhances our understanding of this, drawing up into the world of teenage angst with fanfic, smartphones, video projections and worldwide hook ups. The language is witty and like, literally lit! And yes, the girls say “literally” in almost every sentence. The choreography joyful and so reminiscent of MTV you will laugh your mask off.
If you are an adult woman, you will love the chance to love your fourteen year old self. If you are an adult male, here’s your chance to understand teenage girls and if you are a teenager, then drag your parents along and maybe they will understand you afterwards. No promises. This is, after all, adolescence and nothing ever goes as planned.
5 backstreet boys … all right?
Kate Stratford, Theatre Now
Photography: Brett Boardman
30 Jan – 20 Feb 2021
Venue: Seymour Centre
