This is a show that is deeply relatable
What Chappell Roan has done for the community of queer women who are just now realising that that one friendship might’ve been more cannot be understated. Thus is the feeling from Gogo Boots Go, a Talkers & Doers production centring around a reunion between two young women at a wedding dress fitting.
Amber Charlie Conroy and Rosalie Roger-Lacan both perform in, and have written, the show, and you can tell – the dialogue between them flows freely, and feels relatable. Anna Whealing’s direction has clearly tried to make the best of a small space and limited set possibilities; but as a result, some of the blocking feels awkward. They are constantly circling each other, both in conversation and physically, and it sometimes distracts from the verbal sparring between the two. Conroy is particularly strong as the gutsy Charlie, unafraid to act with the confidence that her green suit and white gogo boots give. Roger-Lacan, as the dry Clelia, takes a little bit more time to warm up – her monologue regarding her feelings towards Charlie towards the end of the piece, however, is stunning.
This is a show that is deeply relatable. It touches lightly on issues such as religion and upbringing, and how that intersects with sexuality in a large way. The writing is strong, with the dynamics between the two women constantly shifting in a way that felt natural; if with quite a few pregnant pauses. I found the points raised regarding the thin line between friendship and love, particularly between queer music, to be very poignant; I’d love to see the piece developed more, and in a space where it can become the (red wine) supernova it can be.