GirlPlay, written and performed by Sarah Richardson, is an exploration of love and sex from a woman’s point of view. It was written in response to the Repeal-the-8th referendum in Ireland and premiered at Dublin’s Fringe Festival in 2019. Since then, the show has seen success as both a digital audio play and an in-person performance, and has just closed its run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The Indiependent spoke to Richardson about the production, performing at the Fringe, and what’s next for her.
The Indiependent: What is the concept of your play and how did it come about?
Sarah Richardson: GirlPlay is a one woman show told by three actors. Intertwining spoken word with theatre, GirlPlay explores the rarely spoken about, pivotal moments in a woman’s relationship with sex. From orgasms and pleasure to the pressures to conceive and miscarriage, GirlPlay puts women’s experience of sex centre stage in a brand new way. GirlPlay was born out of a number of spoken word poems I had written about women’s relationship with sex and I wanted to explore that experience in a longer format.
What type of reactions do you tend to get from the audience?
The play explores many situations, from the humorous and embarrassing to the more painful and moving moments women and their partners face when it comes to sex, relationships and pregnancy. From laughter to tears, we get a range of reactions from our audiences, with them being fully engrossed in the fast-paced, emotion-filled journey we take them on. We have been fulfilled by the comments we have received from audience members who have seen the show, with them really connecting to the piece and talking out loud for the first time about some of their experiences that the play reflects.
What challenges did you face when writing the play?
While writing the play, it was really important for me to be informed on the different situations that the character, Lucy, faces. Although, I wouldn’t call this a challenge necessarily, this was something that I made sure I took my time to research and chat to women to make sure I was approaching certain situations with the correct care and information.
What do you hope the audience will take away from your show?
There is still so much shame and silence that surrounds women’s sexuality, bodies and motherhood. My hope with GirlPlay is that audiences will leave either feeling seen or with a new understanding of women’s experiences. My greatest hope would be that GirlPlay opens up conversations amongst our audiences and that it challenges the shame that continues to silence women.
How has it been performing at The Fringe?
It has been an amazing experience performing at Fringe. This was our first Fringe and a huge learning experience in bringing theatre to the Fringe. We had a lovely reception from our audiences, with many buying the play after the show, and with some brilliant success such as being picked for Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe. Aside from performing, we also got to immerse ourselves in some other amazing pieces that left the whole team truly inspired.
Who inspires you?
I am hugely inspired by other female writers and performers who have paved the way in challenging the patriarchy and creating work that tackles the shame and silence that women face. One of my biggest inspirations is Michaela Coel. Her work as a writer and performer really speak to the work I aspire to create.
What’s next for GirlPlay, and for you?
Although nothing is confirmed yet, we have had some very exciting conversations off the back of Edinburgh Fringe and hope to be planning a tour for the show very soon. Also, personally as a writer and performer, I have a development showing of my one-woman dark comedy, Sun Bear at The Bridge House Theatre from 1—2 October.
Words by Ellen Leslie
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.