Thigh Gap

If you have a thigh gap, it means you’re slim, taut and terrific, so the new show by Jamaica Zuanetti delves into pop culture to explore body image, beauty and being female in the modern era. The comical absurdist play, directed by Alice Darling, questions female stereotypes and the hazardous consequences of living up to an impossible image.

Iris (Veronica Thomas) finds a new housemate Gemma (Lauren Mass). They are opposite in shape, size and lifestyle. Iris, an artist who works in hospitality, is obsessed with dieting, women’s magazines, TV soapies and has just recently broken up with her boyfriend. Gemma is an uptight architect, has a pet rabbit and a boyfriend.

Iris appears to be suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); she has a perfect body but not happy with it. Gemma is a nine to fiver, carries her neurotic tendencies and is out of shape. All the typical female friendship tropes are evident: tarot reading, sharing beauty-tips and toying with Tinder.

Zuanetti has addressed the everyday banalities with sharp and funny dialogue. Clever direction includes many fade-outs indicating different days over a period of time. Thomas and Mass are captivating, hilarious and engaging as they maneuver around their all pale pink kitchenette/lounge set designed by Sophie Woodward.  

Flora Georgiou

Photographer: Jack Dixon-Gunn