Review of Miss Brexit at the Clapham Omnibus

Sarah

Feb 132 min read

Get yourself on the 'Brexit Bus' to the Clapham Omnibus to see this satirical musical, where in post Brexit England each contestant fights to stay in the game show and obtain the longed for 'Right to Remain' - but at what cost to their identities? They have worked hard to erase their identities in order to fit into an Anglocentric world.

Waiting for the show to start, we were met with a slide show of the headlines and newspaper articles leading up to the referendum, and some more recent analysis of the espoused benefits vs actual returns. Brexit split families and friends in 2017, and I rather suspect that the audience in 2025 will largely be made up of Remainers.

Man as MC standing in front of 5 people each wearing a swimsuit — George Berry lining up the contestants

The role of the flamboyant MC is portrayed by George Berry, whose dynamic performance reminded us of Richard O'Brien of "The Rocky Horror Show" fame. Berry's charismatic stage presence and engaging interaction with both contestants and audience members infused the production with arch energy and wit. He banters with the audience, and improvises brilliantly - luckily the audience volunteers were able to give as good as they got - 'Natalie', whoever you really are, you were a joy.

Each contestant is a Maria, whether from Switzerland (who aren't actually in the EU, but adopt treaties), Catalonia, Italy, Portugal, or Spain. Each has been affected by the 2017 referendum in a very personal way, each having their own reasons wanting to stay. We get to learn about each of their back-stories, which are by turn funny and sad. The scene where Miss Spain (played by Shivone Dominguez Blascikova) is on a quest to get a NI Number highlights the stressful situation that migrant workers face, rather poignantly she says "I've had a really bad day".

Woman standing in Spanish flamenco type clothing — Miss Catalonia played by Alba Villaitodo

It's not all gloom and doom though, the original lyrics are music are punchy and funny, and every character has a lighter moment - or many lighter moments in the case of Miss Catalonia played by Alba Villaitodo, who has comedic genius.

The audience also have to answer the sometimes absurd questions posed to migrants about being British, with some funny results.

This is a fun show, with much deeper themes running through it - exactly what does it mean to be English? Is it just learning to love all things potato, English breakfasts and a Sunday roast? And what does it feel like to be in a hostile environment where you're not wanted? How do you survive? Miss Brexit has some of those answers.

Creatives:

Alejandro Postigo – Co-Director

Amaia Mugica – Co-Director

Harvey Cartlidge – Composer

Tom Cagnoni - new music

Olga Ntenta - Costume design

Pablo Fernandez Baz - LX design

Cast:

Alba Villaitodo – Miss Catalonia

George Berry – MC

Isabel Mulas – Miss Italy

Maxence Marmy – Miss Switzerland