Blending musical comedy with medical commentary, Endometriosis the Musical tackles a global health issues with considerable energy. A musical about menstruation might not appeal to all, but this seven strong company make it a relatable and funny experience.
Written by Maria Bartholdi and Kristin Stowell, who both have lived experience of endometriosis, the story follows business woman Jane as she tries to deliver the best presentation of her career. Her big opportunity comes when colleague Brad, a self-titled “business bro”, becomes the latest victim in a spate of bear maulings. Despite trying to impress her boss Mr McKenna, she struggles to focus when her period turns up right on cue. Luckily her office bestie Miranda is there to stage an intervention, encouraging her to see a doctor and stop Aunt Flo interfering with her career prospects. Unfortunately, that’s where Jane discovers that there’s no quick fix, and that women’s health issues are chronically underdiagnosed and undertreated.
The Minnesota based company do well to relate this story to an international audience, depicting the medical consultations in a way which is universally experienced. Jane meets multiple doctors, all of which come up with similarly useless suggestions chosen by a gameshow style wheel of chance. Has she tried hot yoga? Or maybe getting pregnant will fix the debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding and nausea. As the company note, 1 in 7 women are affected by endometriosis, yet it takes on average more than a decade to diagnose. With those statistics, many of the audience will have related to Jane’s experiences.
There’s also quite a few recognizable characters in the office scenes, especially Lorelai Frank who stands out as Gina, the overzealous wielder of the Office Handbook. The whole cast multi-role with great skill, playing doctors, interns and at one point a walking uterus. MJ Matheson also deserves mention for a number of amusing cameos, while Angelo Harrington II is extremely likeable as keen but slightly hapless intern Derek. The vocals are universally excellent, accompanied live on the keyboard by composer Stowell. There are only a few moments where the jokes fall a little flat, but the energy and enthusiasm is strong throughout.
The latter part of the show provides food for thought with some cold hard facts but still delivered in a fun and humourous way. It’s a great example of how to raise awareness of an issue whilst still keeping the audience entertained, although you might never look at porridge the same way again. The take home message is to seek help if something isn’t right, because after all – “healthcare is self care”.
Endometriosis the Musical runs at Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose until 31st August (not 17th or 24th) with tickets available at https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:7079/
Reviewer: Torya Hughes
Reviewed: 16th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating:
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