Amanda Wilkins, 2020 winner of Soho Theatre’s Verity Bargate Award, is the writer and performer of Shedding a Skin. She plays Mayah, a young woman with an unpredictable life. She quits her job, breaks up with her boyfriend and moves into a small flat with an elderly Jamaican woman called Mildred (Mrs T to her face). Their intergenerational platonic friendship is what makes this play so heart-warming; with hilarious one-liners, emotional breakdowns and many surprises in the story- these 90 minutes truly fly by as you take a journey with Mayah as she experiences life with new perspectives.
Shedding a Skin feels real, as Wilkins herself says, she vows the ‘tell the truth’ in her writing. I became so swept up in her characterisation, directed by Elayce Ismail, that by the bows I had completely forgotten she was the only person on stage throughout the show and was expecting a full cast to walk out and admire their standing ovation.
Set in a pre-covid time, Shedding a Skin reminds us of the importance of community and inspires you to reach out to neighbours and locals- who knows, you might even strike up an unlikely friendship with a 90-year old activist! There is a sense of togetherness, and Wilkin’s infectious laughter makes it feel like you are chatting with a friend as she opens up and finds acceptance within herself. Rosanne Vize’s set sheds layers and explores new spaces from the moment it starts to the very end.
The play is clever, thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable. There will be one live-streamed performance on the 15th July and I would highly recommend it to everyone who may not be able to travel to see it in person.
Review by Hannah Storey
Rating: ★★★★★
