UK Theatre Network

Girls seeking a testosterone – free night out are in for a treat at the King’s Theatre this week as “Hormonal Housewives” takes to the stage.

Very much in the mould of the incredibly successful “Vagina Monologues”, Hormonal Housewives offers the talented trio of Carol Smillie, Julie Coombe and Shonagh Price the opportunity to don pink, put down men, laugh at themselves, laugh at men, have a dance and enjoy the company of other women.  Predictably, when the target audience are women, the conversations, sketches and laughter revolve largely around men.  It was possibly the predictable nature of the topics and punch lines that proved to be a shortcoming in the production as some sections raised only chuckles rather than belly laughs.  Writers Julie Coombe and John MacIsaac redeemed themselves, however, with some excellent observational items and development of good physical humour, particularly in the courtroom and keep fit sketches.

The audience certainly enjoyed the entertainment on offer, although they proved reluctant to participate in fanning the cast with programmes in a children’s party inspired game.  Y-chromosomes were in short supply in the auditorium – it seemed that any men in the audience had lost a bet (or were VERY dedicated theatre goers) – but the audience proved that they could have a great time without the aid of their husbands and boyfriends.  This was largely due to the enthusiastic performances on stage where Julie Coombe, in particular, delivered the comedy with great gusto.

All in all, the show was a good target for a girlie night out.  The tour continues to Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen.

Hormonal Housewives
Mon 1 – Sat 6 March
Mon – Thu eves 7.30pm
Fri & Sat 5.30pm and 8.30pm

Tickets: £9 - £24
Box Office 0844 871 7648 (Bkg fee)
www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)