In an unusual twist, two women play the teenage boys in Lily Shahmoon’s delightful and witty Lipstick. This is deliberate casting by the writer. The audience must confront their preconceived notions of gender in society by watching the female actors try on makeup while they convincingly take on male roles exploring their femininity.
‘Sorry I don’t fit into your preconceived not‘
Tommy is fifteen. He suffers from anxiety. He is scared of the kids at school. They call him gay. He worries about being ostracised for wearing lipstick, eyeshadow and mascara. He finds wearing makeup calms him. His neighbour Jordan who he sees through a window daily is having trouble at home. His parents have a volatile relationship and are heading for divorce.
April Hughes (The Play that Goes Wrong, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) gives a splendidly nimble performance as nervous gentle Tommy.
Helen Aluko (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) energetic and spirited ‘Jordan’ is equally thrilling to watch.
Ed White’s direction is fast-paced while Alex Lewer digitally clever lighting and Charlie Smith sound effects give the play a stunning cinematic effect.
Through thought provoking dialogue, this play asks us to questions gender norms on masculinity versus femininity while turning it on its head.
Lipstick runs at Southwark Playhouse from March 4 to March 28, 2020.
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