Review: BAGGY BRA, Old Rep Theatre - Hysteria Festival

Eight out of ten women are wearing the wrong bra size. Not on Bra Shop Barb’s watch they’re not! Barb and her daughter Eloise are on a mission to give every breast the very best, but as bills rise and customers cause havoc in the store, Barb fears she is fighting a losing battle.

Set in rural Wales, this is a female-led, body-positive, warm-hearted show. Encouraging the cherishing of your boobs and taking care of them with the normalisation of bra fittings, mother and daughter relationships and finding love in later life, thrown in the mix.

Baggy Bra is a touching story of family relationships, hopes, dreams and what happens when life gets in the way. The relationship between Barb and Eloise is portrayed well, capturing the highs, the lows and the frustrations of mother and daughter. The comical exploits of business neighbour Ted are a nice addition, but it does feel that there are a few too many underlying stories running through the script and could be cut a bit shorter by not going round in circles for the last few scenes and just concluding the story.

It is a funny production with a serious and understated message to look after your boobs.

With a bit of tit…ivation, this could be the breast show!

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Hysteria is a women-led theatre and arts festival taking place at The Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham until 30 July. Celebrating the power and diversity of female-identifying playwrights, directors, actors, comedians, creatives and designers.