Female of the Species, Mayfield

'The female of the species is more deadly than the male,' we are told at the beginning of Amy De Bhrun's one woman show contained inside a David Attenborough style programme, taking us on a tour of the 'types' of women (or Wo-man as she pronounces it at one stage) that frequent modern day life,  brought to life through an array of characters, and a few accents, creating an enjoyable, well observed, funny, laugh out loud evening. It is back by popular demand and it is easy to see why.

De Bhrun is both writer and performer, having written six different one woman shows over the last few years and touring London, LA and NYC. Here she uses the small space provided in the Mayfield restaurant very well. In this setting, main lights off, and the small performance space lit, it is really her ample skills as an actor, engaging the audience throughout, while maintaining solid characterisations, that pulls this off very smoothly, letting the one act piece flow along with ease and energy. There is nothing else, only the actor and the audience, no lights or set, only theatre in its most pared back form, both intimate and exciting. Expression and tones play a big part, as she moves from one character to another, moving through the modern day landscape. There is also a sense of stand up inside the theatrical structure provided through the TV show idea. The thought of how it might look if placed inside a theatre setting is intriging, as here, within the limitations, it really hits the mark well.

The setting is intimate and leaves little space between De Bhrun and the audience, reminding  me of something Mark Rylance spoke of about acting on The Globe stage, and the fourth wall being behind the audience. Here, there is that sense, as people, fresh from having a meal, sit at the very tables they ate at, some chairs shifted to get a better or clearer view, plays into the feeling that this is very much a relaxed and involved experience. The feeling of eye contact, at times talking directly to an audience member, gives rise to a stand up feel, in what is a witty, well observed and delightful piece of comic writing and acting. 

The show part of the evening comes after the meal, and thankfully it is a case of waiting until all have eaten before De Bhrun takes to the 'stage', rather than eating while watching. The piece itself is under an hour, and moves along at a wonderful pace, directed by Helena Brown. While the audience the night I saw it were predominantly female, it is a piece that will resonate with male and female, that is well rounded, and well written. It is well worth seeing, having arrived from New York, before heading over to London.