Scottish poet Rosie Jo Hunter took the Traverse theatre by storm with her unabashed, sold out, comedic slam-poetry cabaret. Having previously performed the show at the Edinburgh Fringe as well as in London, this sexy, stupid poem show still holds its freshness, ferocity and impulsivity thanks to the vigour and brazenness of Hunter’s performance.
The show is almost crass in its delivery, what with the vulgarity of language and strong sexual content discussed throughout. However, that vulgarity is exactly why Hunter’s show is a success. We as the audience build an idea of Hunter’s character and of the show – it being presented as a cheeky, camp, sometimes touching comedy. Just when we think we have this show figured out, Hunter subverts our expectations through a raw display of emotion in response to a series of transphobic hate-mail, leading to an incredibly sobering and poignant ending. Hunter gives us a clear message that it is not for us to decide what her show is or who they are.
The structuring of Hunter’s writing was incredibly clever, giving us glimpses of the more sinister political undertones of the piece while simultaneously keeping the audience in stitches – all building up to the final resolve and overall message in a very intentional and tactful style. What were initially presented as humorous poems (including a PowerPoint pronouncing Hunter as God, which I do have to say could have been louder) soon weren’t so funny anymore when Hunter uncloaked the jokes through reprisals, showing us that even when her show is filled with joy, there will always be a transphobe combating that joy with hate.
Rosie Jo Hunter is inexplicably herself, letting us see every side of them whether it be vulnerable or bold. Hunter is not scared to show off everything that makes them up as a person whether it is received as acceptable or unacceptable by the audience. She tells us that if she were too dull their personality down to conform it would make little difference to those who refuse to accept her identity – so why not be bold?
With an impressive number of t-shirts on, a PowerPoint, and a passion, Rosie Jo Hunter left the audience feeling electric, receiving a well deserved standing ovation. Especially now with the United Kingdom Supreme Court’s new ruling that the legal definition of what a woman is can only be defined by biological sex, Hunter’s work was more striking than ever. This show is truly a light in the midst of what is a dark political climate for many. It reminds us to not just be content in our own identity, but to celebrate it – the only person who can define us is ourselves.
Reviewer: Jessie Martin
Reviewed: 27th April 2025
North West End UK Rating: