Written and Performed by Lucy Heffernan
Co-Directed by Lily Hayman and Tim Maddock
Review by Florence Carr-Jones
Summerhall – Ciairns Lecture Theatre: Tickets
Party Girl is a comical yet introspective Rock ‘n’ roll monologue performed by Lucy Heffernan. It recounts her experiences as a children’s party fairy in Sydney. While the premise offers a fresh twist on the familiar Fleabag-esque narrative of a woman navigating life’s challenges, the show ultimately struggles to introduce anything truly new to the genre.
Heffernan is a talented musician and performer, and the show’s Rock ‘N’ Roll elements are a standout. She takes the stage with fairy wings and an electric guitar, embracing an inventive gig-theatre format as she portrays the trials of being Fairy Sprinkles while grappling with a much more complicated life behind the scenes. The contrast between the idealised fairy persona and Heffernan’s flawed character is striking— “Fairies aren’t feminists, fairies don’t get periods, and fairies don’t have body hair,” she notes, emphasising the disconnect between the fairy persona and her reality.
Despite Heffernan’s humour and originality, the central story of a woman with unresolved issues spiralling out of control feels overly familiar and fails to break new ground. However, the music and Heffernan’s energetic performance are engaging, with her playful use of props, like a singing magic wand, adding to the lively mix of sound and layers of performance. The show makes effective use of the stage and costume, and Heffernan’s energy is undeniable.
Party Girl showcases Heffernan’s talent and creativity, but it falls short of delivering a compelling or original narrative. While entertaining in parts, it struggles to rise above familiar tropes and lacks the depth needed to leave a lasting impression.
Review by Florence Carr-Jones (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Florence recently graduated with a degree in History from the University of Edinburgh, where her passion for theatre often took precedence over her academic studies. During her time at university, she was actively involved in many theatre societies, but her deep passion was with Theatre Paradok, the experimental theatre society, where she served as president this past year. She is the director and writer of her own company, Fools and Thieves, and will begin a Master’s in Drama Directing at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School this September. Florence is particularly fascinated by interdisciplinary approaches to theatre and how the medium can evolve in the contemporary world.
