Flush is a play that unfolds entirely in the women’s bathroom over the course of one night, and you see all of the action that goes on in those rooms. We see a group of sixteen-year-olds armed with fake IDs and push-up bras hiding inside the club, a chaotic hen party and an American trying to find her space in England.
Flush was first housed at The Edinburgh Fringe and after rave reviews it has made its way down to Dalston.
The stand out performance was given by the play’s writer April Hope Miller, who was an incredible watch throughout the 75 minutes, going from frazzled, northern, maid of honour to catty teenage girl and doing it oh so effortlessly.
Unlike some writers, Miller creates female characters with depth. Characters who are relatable, earnest and absolutely unhinged. The play goes with the themes that affect women, areas like body image, assault, platonic relationships and growing up and with the cast of 5 juggling 16 different characters, it adds to the emotional highs and lows of the story. The bathroom becomes a revolving door of womanhood.
The consistent throughline of the show is the plight of the American, Billie, who moved to London for work. But after she is assaulted by her manager, we watch the plotlines unfold around her as we see her feel more and more isolated from the main action.
Flush also includes some references that only East Londoners can understand. The mention of FOLD, a nightclub in Canning Town that is situated above a print factory on an industrial estate. Definitely made my ears prick up and there are plenty more references that are worth looking out for!
Makes the ladies room look good!
Graffitied walls with writing ranking the hottest male heart-throbs, drawings of love hearts and an “Ask Angela” poster, which many of the women in the room quickly identified. In front of the walls, three porcelain toilets with neon pink loo brushes and a shelf with sanitary products and spray cans. Ellie Wintour’s set design is extremely well done and definitely captures the heart of an East London club.
Another aspect that is well done is the costuming. One would think that such a small cast would cause confusion as to which character was who, but as I saw a character enter the stage I immediately knew exactly who they were. The Asos dresses, the way too short skirts, the corporate halloween costumes. All were tastefully picked and assisted the audience in following the story.
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The Arcola Theatre could be missed by even the most eagle eyed East Londoners. Nestled right in between Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland station, it is a relatively small building only having enough space for two studios and a bar. But it is fitted with a lift making it wheelchair accessible.
