Showing @ The Arches, Glasgow until Fri 07 Mar @ 19:00 (then touring)
In Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model, award-winning performance artist Bryony Kimmings departs from the candid autobiographical work for which she has become known. Previously exploring her relationship with sex (Sex Idiot) and alcohol (7 Day Drunk), this time she turns her attention to the premature sexualisation of pre-teen girls. Creating and performing the show in collaboration with her nine year old niece Taylor, the pair wage a sequin strewn, armour clad war against the internet and unsuitable idols, in the quest to find an ideal role model for tweenage girls.
That figure comes in the form of palaeontologist, bike-riding, tuna pasta eating, alternative popstar and ‘normal lady’ Catherine Bennett. Part theatre show, social commentary and education project, this work is more of a crusade than Kimmings’ previous outings: this, her personal expression of rage at the malignant force the media has become and her fight on Taylor’s behalf to make us all better citizens.
The act of having Taylor onstage throughout often makes for uncomfortable viewing: intentional no doubt and effective, as we are forced to confront just how invidious the influence of the media is on young girls. While the whole endeavour is laudable, challenging as it does female stereotypes and the role of the media in creating and perpetuating them, it lacks narrative clarity. It flits butterfly-like from set piece to set piece and while reflective of the mind of a nine year old it loses some power in doing so.
Not all little girls need or want to be Disney Princesses or hyper-sexual popstars and Kimmings should be applauded for this engaging, crusading and ultimately entertaining show. We can’t protect our kids from every threat out there but we can all do our bit to effect change.