Comedy / stand up comedy
Marjolein Robertson on tour with ‘O’: the acclaimed show about her menstrual health
Marjolein Robertson is a Shetland-born comedian and storyteller whose creative process has never shied away from the personal.
Following the critically lauded Marj which explored the mind through the lens of recovering from an abusive relationship, is set to embark on tour with the second instalment in her standup trilogy: O.
Punctuated by the beats of Shetland’s oldest myth: the story of the seasons, the award-nominated show shares the very personal and “near death” story of Robertson’s struggles with her menstrual health.
is needed now More than ever
Marjolein Robertson, O – photo: Sam Temple and Claire Thomason
Moving from early complications with her period at 16, she tackles the 14 years of searching for help, and finally to her diagnosis of adenoymyosis.
At the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, where O had a total sellout run, Robertson recalls that its gorier reflections resulted in “nine fainters and 18 walkouts”.
Photo: Jiksaw
But the show has also proven to be of help and solace to many. In recent months, Robertson has been inundated with messages from women with similar experiences who felt unheard when trying to identify the cause of their symptoms.
“This is my favourite hour to-date to perform,” she says. “It has some of my favourite jokes, but also, I am so glad to finally share this story in a way which can have people leaving empowered about their own bodies.”
Photo: Sam Temple and Claire Thomason
Marjolein Robertson: O is at The Hen & Chicken Studio on February 5 at www.thecomedybox.co.uk. For more information visit www.marjoleinrobertson.com or follow @marjoleinrobertson.
Main photo: Jiksaw
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