A celebration of the nuances of womanhood, a live workshopping of life’s material
Chunky Jewellery is truly one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen, filled with heart-warming joy and poignant moments. It explores themes of grief, loss, motherhood, and the challenges of womanhood and aging. Co-created by Natasha Gilmore, Jude Williams, and Ben Duke (Lost Dog), Chunky Jewellery celebrates the bonds of friendship and the nuances of womanhood.
From the moment you enter the theatre, you’re met with two white curtains; able to see the actors on the other side. It feels like you are peering into Gilmore and Williams’ world, eagerly waiting to be invited in. As the white curtains part, they unveil a seemingly idyllic world, where everything appears rosy at first glance. Yet, beneath the surface lies a deeper narrative, where humour serves as a shield against life’s harsh realities. With each layer peeled back, the audience is confronted with the raw and honest portrayal of life, stripped of any illusions. This metaphorical journey from the surface to the depths captures the essence of the show’s exploration of human experiences.
Williams and Gilmore skilfully navigate this delicate balance, capturing the audience’s attention and eliciting both laughter and introspection. The prevalence of female laughter throughout the performance underscores the themes’ relatability, highlighting the deep resonance it held with viewers. The portrayal of asking for help as a woman is comically poignant, showcasing the ingrained reluctance and associated weakness to seek assistance. Watching the characters lean on one another, physically and metaphorically, pulling each other up is another strong image, illustrating the strong bond of female friendships and the beauty of women supporting each other.
I felt like a third to William’s and Gilmore’s dynamic duo, drawn into their performance, and experiencing the highs and lows alongside them. After experiencing Chunky Jewellery, I found myself leaving the theatre, hugging strangers, and sharing tears with them. It’s a testament to the profound emotional impact of the work.
Seeing these two women play, explore, and experiment was inspiring. Chunky Jewellery is a show that is inspiring for performers wanting to create their own work. Things aren’t perfect; they are always in a state of flux, of draft stage, which is a great reminder. I love the messiness of the stop-and-start nature of the script; it reflects the realism in life. It’s messy; you can’t control what others think, feel, and how they react. It was a clever device for both performers, who would ‘start’ and ‘stop’ scenes, as though they were on the cutting room floor workshopping their life’s material.
The use of live sung voice and movement pulled at the heartstrings, evoking a raw, animalistic, and tribal mood. This added depth and authenticity to the performance, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Particularly, I adored the use of layering, the looping of the voice, and use of props to create a soundscape to the story. Watching the two performers share the space, as they highlighted their unique strengths, Gilmore’s restless and emotive movement paired with Williams’ powerful vocals was a true highlight.
The intimate setting, despite the lecture hall backdrop, allows for a deep dive into moments of despair and joy, skilfully interwoven by the actors. Being led down a myriad of storylines felt a privilege to learn more about these actors, as they traverse the line between the ‘pretend and make-believe of’ theatre and real life, toying (in a good way) with the audience’s emotions and taking them on a journey with them.
The impeccable pacing, complemented by subtle changes in costume, ever-growing use of stage space, and lighting, ensured a seamless flow of the narrative. Signifying changes in place, the passage of time, and the portrayal of different characters, these costumes offer a refreshing departure from conventional narratives. The strategic use of lighting, technical elements, and simple props guides the audience through the timeline and setting. After the performance, I found myself reflecting on its impact, feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such a captivating and thought-provoking piece of theatre. Chunky Jewellery deserves every bit of its 5-star rating.