REVIEW: As SHE Likes It

As SHE Likes It is the classic story of women’s struggles in the film industry. Through five traditional female stereotypes, Chloe Wade’s script explores the trials and tribulations of industry women in old Hollywood and shows how little has changed since then. Despite a powerful message and a talented cast, the script is disappointingly inconsistent and lacklustre. 

The set was simple and neither added nor detracted from the story. The silver screen, which periodically showed clips from real old Hollywood films and filmed scenes from the story itself, was a pleasant aspect of the show; it was best used to display closed captions throughout the show which I found to be an excellent addition. The costumes were well-selected and suited to each character. The show also made excellent use of a voiceover which acted as an almost God-like character who was able to dictate what each character did. It was a symbolic voice representing the patriarchy that was eventually taken down by the story’s women in the climax. 

A small, talented cast served this show well. Lucy Tuck stole the show in the role of Leading Lady and as the bigoted studio producer. Her performance was powerful and perfectly portrayed a woman who has made herself into a star in spite of all the men who tried to tear her down. Chloe Wade pleasantly portrayed the Girl Next Door character, maintaining an innocence and quiet strength throughout her characters’ growth and eventual reclaiming of power. The story of Patricia Douglas, an old Hollywood dancer whom the plot was based upon, came through effectively in the second half and provided depth to a character that initially came across as rather 1-dimensional. 

Krupa Pattani was wonderful as the Damsel in Distress and seemingly the narrator of the entire story. She delivered some of the funniest and most stirring moments, acting as a supportive partner for the Girl Next Door and deftly portraying her characters’ own struggles with abuse from men. Stacey Evans is an extremely talented actress, as is made clear in her performance as the Screwball Comedy Queen, however her character is entirely unnecessary to the plot. Tanika Yearwood was lovely and warm as the Sex Symbol, giving depth and emotion to a stereotype that we still see so often today. I must compliment all of the actors on their accent work and the deftness with which they switched between the accents of each character they portrayed. 

As SHE Likes It has the makings of a highly enjoyable and meaningful show. Where this show stumbles is in the script and the messaging which both need refining and editing in a way that lessens the overwhelming similarity to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. The first act adds very little overall; had they performed the second act, a stirring piece of social commentary, by itself this could be near a 5-star show. In its current state As SHE Likes It lacks polish and gives the feeling of a work-in-progress. That being said, it is a moving message with some truly funny moments and the potential to be a wonderful show.