★★★★★

“a beautiful representation of the power of live performance”

I can confidently say that you do not need to have seen Star Wars to enjoy this show. I say that because, shamefully, I went to see this without having ever seen it. With Star Wars being so engrossed in pop culture, and having enjoyed several other parodies (The Family Guy Specials, to be precise), the references certainly didn’t go over my head. Created by Russall S. Beattie and directed by Bec Morris, The Empire Strips Back is a classic Burlesque cabaret with a mix of comedic and contemporary dance performances all themed around the Star Wars franchise. It features everything one needs from great Burlesque: nipple tassels, audience interaction and some amazing lighting design. Even from the cosy seats of Hammersmith, the audience certainly experiences something far far away.

The show opens strongly with a dance duet between one of the incredible NX5 Theatrical Dance company members and what I believe is known as a Bantha. The first of many fantastic puppetry pieces of the show. After swiftly warming up the audience, we are introduced to the host who continues to engage with the audience before and after each act. This is where the majority of the comedy lies, with an incredible amount of wit and improvised audience interaction.

The dance styles are a mix between classic Burlesque, exotic and contemporary dance, making the show overall feel incredibly rich. There’s beautifully romantic scenes between masked aliens as well as surprisingly sexy dance moves from Chewbacca. The puppetry and animatronics are astounding, not only with the previously mentioned Bantha, but a full stage scale, lip syncing, Jabba the Hutt. Not one area of this show cuts corners. Every aspect from the costume, to the dance, to the amazing use of a rainbow lighting spectacle is fully exploited.

After six years of touring around the world, The Empire Strips Back has landed in London and launched on Star Wars day, and the City will be glad of it. As the world appears bleaker and bleaker, it is shows like this that bring joy, laughter and a sense of community. The audience was – naturally – full of Star Wars fans, with everybody bonding over their Star Wars tattoos and Chewbacca impressions. Even without knowing the franchise well, I felt a part of a really positive crowd. To quote the Last Jedi itself, as it was quoted in the show, “We don’t get stronger by fighting the things we hate, but by protecting the things we love”. The Empire Strips Back is a beautiful representation of the power of live performance. And that should be protected at all costs.

CONVERSATIONS AFTER SEX

Park Theatre

★★★

“a play that focuses more on glimpses of intimacy and character variety rather than any tangible plot with a clear ending”

Desire, grief, family, sexually transmitted diseases and much more can be found in this production of Conversations After Sex. Written by Mark O’Halloran, this show unveils how we connect in our modern times and how we deal with whatever life throws at us. Because sometimes distracting ourselves with different physical experiences, like having sex or taking substances, is the only way to stay afloat and not sink.

That’s what our unnamed female character seems to be navigating, as she goes through sexual partners of various temperaments, interests and ages and as she spends wild night after wild night. After they’ve had sex, they discuss about previous or current relationships, life or whatever else comes up once the emotional walls she normally has built up have been lowered, even briefly. More and more is revealed about her till we get a better picture and understanding of her life. Her older sister also joins for a few scenes, giving a bit more of a perspective than what the protagonist would have liked to share.

The pace is steady throughout, not really altering or fluctuating throughout the play. The two main actors find moments of emotional vulnerability and are really present with one another, but don’t really go the extra mile to help the audience engage more. Julian Moore-Cook jumps in and out of all the male characters’ accents and physicalities smoothly and swiftly, which fits with the protagonist’s nonchalant performance. Olivia Lindsay as the female protagonist plays with no exaggerated passion or turmoil, which is intriguing and grounding, but does leave the audience with a sense of hanging, like there were things left unsaid and unfinished. Jo Herbert’s appearance as the sister is brief, yet sobering for us and the protagonist, a voice or reason and a reminder that everyone goes through different struggles.

Under the direction of Jess Edwards, it’s a play that focuses more on glimpses of intimacy and character variety rather than any tangible plot with a clear ending. The main focus is definitely the balance, and imbalance, of the protagonist with her respective sexual partners, but during a heartbreaking moment when her deceased ex visits her while she’s macrodosing, we’re left wondering if this is more about how the human soul breaks apart and the challenges of recovering.

The set (Georgia Wilmot) is simple, efficient and practical. In the middle, a queen-sized bed, all in pastel pink, and in the background, a big wall of neon light that assists with the transitions and dominates the mood of each interaction. Transitions are cleverly choreographed and exciting to watch, with the light changes and music intervals (Bethany Gupwell and Xana respectively), which offer a helpful intro and outro for the many characters we encounter.

In a world where disconnection is more and more prominent, Conversations After Sex has the potential to shine light onto the people hiding behind dating apps, substances and loneliness. The delivery does get stagnant and unspecific, but is entertaining nonetheless.

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK

Riverside Studios

★★★★★

“a beautiful representation of the power of live performance”

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK

Riverside Studios

Reviewed on 4th May 2025

by David Robinson

Previously reviewed at this venue:

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK

CONVERSATIONS AFTER SEX

Park Theatre

★★★

“a play that focuses more on glimpses of intimacy and character variety rather than any tangible plot with a clear ending”