The Vagina Monologues - Review

Inclusive show is incredibly moving!

Raw. Hilarious. Necessary.

Those three words best describe The Vagina Monologues at Exeter Northcott. An inclusive, in-depth interpretation by Deafinitely Theatre performed in British Sign Language with captions directed by Paula Garfield features both death and hearing women and non-binary people. 

More than 200 women were interviewed to create the content shown here, alongside discussion of what it means to have a vagina. As a gay man, it was eye-opening to get an understanding of the female experience, from fun facts to some uncomfortable moments.

From the start, a large screen projects the title of the show and imagery of the sign for a vagina, with 10 chairs beneath in simple staging. This was especially noticeable in intimate moments, such as in a segment titled “The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could” and in setting rhythmic interludes between pieces. 

'The Vagina Monologues’ is boldly funny, with unapologetic wit and reclaims language in a way that disarms and entertains. From awkward first sexual encounters, to candid explorations of female self-pleasure, the show finds laughter in places too often shrouded in shame and silence. Without trivializing the more serious themes, it is an empowering feminist display of joy and defiance, making the heavier moments hit hard. 

Highlights include Abigail Gorman, bringing warmth and originality to the piece, and Fifi Garfield whose confident stage presence made her signed monologues clear and meaningful, demonstrating her experience as a performer. The cast connected with each other but frequently engaged the audience to create moments that felt like casual conversation, adding emotional depth to intimate moments. 

The show juggles clever humour whilst dealing with heavy topics such as violence against women and rape. The performance confronts brutal realities of female genital mutilation with unflinching honesty and a respect for survivors’ experiences. With creative craftsmanship, the audience is invited to reflect on the traumas experienced by so many, yet too often silenced Strong language and discussions of violence and abuse are forewarned and handled with appropriate gravity.

There is arguable room for improvement with the captions, which sometimes lag behind what was being conveyed and contain some spelling errors. It’s probably a small point for those who can hear, compared to the difficulties faced every day by those who can’t. But it’s a solvable detail, as those with hearing can find it difficult to understand what is going on and have to reread some sentences, only for the captions to move forward before some had the the chance to finish reading. 

Definitely Theatre’s production is bold, moving, and ultimately celebratory which breaks barriers surrounding bodies, language and experience. It is an evening of reflection and laughter. The show is a reminder why, nearly three decades after its premier, ‘The Vagina Monologues’ still matters, and this time, with a richer, more inclusive voice.