Theatre / rosy carrick
Review: Musclebound, The Wardrobe Theatre – ‘A hilarious and honest exploration of female sexuality’
If you have ever read and enjoyed any of Nancy Friday’s books on female secret sexual desires and fantasies, Rosy Carrick’s one-woman show Musclebound will be the perfect exemplar.
The show delves into the complexities of female desire and sexual liberation from her own point of view as she discusses her sexual obsession with body builders. It’s a blend of humour, self-discovery, and insightful social commentary on sexual relationships, from a very personal perspective.
Carrick, a writer, performer and translator, uses her own experiences to explore themes that resonate with many. As she approaches 40 and with her teenage daughter about to embark on her own sexual journey, Carrick decides to confront her own longings after breaking up with her perfectly loving and caring boyfriend. Fuelled by childhood fantasies of oiled-up 80s action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, she embarks on a quest to understand her attraction to these hyper-masculine figures.
is needed now More than ever
The show is laugh-out-loud funny from the outset. Carrick uses audience monologues, video clips of 80s action stars, and even question-and-answer sessions with a stuffed mannequin to explore her hypersexuality and the power dynamics at play in heterosexual relationships. While the subject matter is frank and the language is colourful, the show never veers into crassness.
Beneath the surface of the humour lies a serious discussion about female objectification and the societal messages women receive about sex. Carrick challenges the notion that women should be ashamed of their desires or settle for unfulfilling sexual experiences. She uses the lens of 80s action movies to explore the power imbalance in heterosexual sex, where men are often portrayed as strong and dominant, while female pleasure is rarely considered.
Musclebound is more than just a funny and thought-provoking show; it’s a call to action. Carrick encourages women to embrace their sexuality and have open conversations about their desires. She wants to break the taboo of female sexual transparency and empower the next generation of women to have fulfilling and joyful sex lives.
This production is a must-see for anyone looking for a laugh, a dose of self-reflection, or a reminder that it’s never too late to explore your own desires and not to settle for a second-rate sexual life. The final 15 minutes provide a twist that leaves the audience, if not shocked, then extremely surprised considering what had come before, as her final, very personal and wholly unexpected experience leaves the audience with much to ponder.
Visit www.rosycarrick.com for more information, or follow @rosycarrick.
All photos: Sharon Kilgannon
Read more: Rosy Carrick’s one-woman show confronts the formative sexual obsessions of her youth
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