Review: Why is John Lennon Wearing a Skirt? @ Winston Theatre
By Annie Warneford, Second Year English
On Saturday 15th February I visited the Winston Theatre to attend the University of Bristol Drama Society’s rendition of Why is John Lennon Wearing a Skirt? As I sat waiting for showtime, I noticed cast members – already in character – had joined us in the audience. Their presence created an immediate sense of immersion, setting the tone for a performance that maintained its energy and excitement throughout.
Claire Dowie’s play is a profound commentary on the rigid and ostracising nature of socially constructed gender norms. Despite being set throughout the 1960s and 70s, its narrative remains strikingly relevant to a contemporary audience. Amidst moments of hysterical comedy, glimpses of a harsh reality emerge. The play raises important questions about autonomy and identity, leaving me to walk out of the Winston Theatre asking myself, “What does it truly mean to be a woman?” and “How much of my life is merely a performance to meet societal expectations?”
DramSoc took creative license with Dowie’s play. Traditionally, Why is John Lennon Wearing a Skirt? is a one-actor performance. This version featured six talented, female university students taking on the role of John Lennon. While I must admit I have never seen the singular actor version of the monologue, I found this adaptation to be highly effective. Observing six different women, rather than one, act out the female experience seemed to encapsulate the universality of womanhood: the shared expectations and contradictions imposed upon us by an often-condemning society.
Lily Walker delivered a particularly captivating performance as one of the Johns. She orchestrated the perfect balance between uproarious physical comedy and the poignant stillness of an authentic portrayal of gender disparity. Alongside herself and the other Johns, the stage was also inhabited by two accompanying male performers, Cameron Lawrence and Louis Thresher. The pair took on various roles like Football Lads, Boyfriends, The Boss and Colleagues, parodying characters we all know a little too well from our own lives.
I saw the performance on the closing night, and the energy for this finale was electric. As I glanced around the room at the standing ovation, voices erupting into Hey Jude, I was poignantly reminded why I love theatre. Sitting and listening to the exceptionally talented live band, everyone was completely present, immersed in the moment – no matter the personal circumstances. DramSoc provided pure escapism, transporting us all to the era of flower power, yet acknowledging it was not all sunshine and rainbows. And in that shared experience, the atmosphere captured the very sentiment of John Lennon and his fellow Beatles' song, All You Need is Love.