Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (reviewed Wednesday 5 November 2025).
Writer–director–performer Eloise Aiken, this year’s Katie Lees Fellowship recipient, delivers the fruits of that award in Crotchless. It’s a feminist story that examines the radicalisation of young men. In the foyer after the show, Eloise and I spoke of the all-too-familiar conversations where men frame their misogyny as ‘payback’ for being called out by feminism. Crotchless skewers men’s cry to uphold anti-feminist propaganda.
The premise is compelling: a mother and daughter, each navigating their own stage of womanhood, face off against a teenage son simmering with resentment. The son erupts with outrage about male persecution, hooked by a podcast that feeds his convictions.
Directed by Madeleine Withington, the production is loud, unapologetic, and abrasive. It’s a compact, five-character world brought to life by just three performers — a feat handled with impressive clarity. Sarah Greenwood playing both the mother and the daughter’s best friend executes the switch with wit and precision, deftly shifting physicality and tone so that the double-casting is a source of delight.
Ashan Kumar (in a last minute stand-in) portraying the son and his father deserves special credit for maintaining composure and command — script in hand but never losing rhythm or momentum. As Roman, the podcaster, his live-show monologue is cultishly magnetic — unsettling yet transfixing. We recognise the misogyny in his rant, yet the performance exposes just how seductive that conditioning can be.
And then there’s Esha Jessy playing Shona – brash, unapologetic, and magnetic – dare we say – like her father. She embodies the kind of confidence and vocal boldness that defines a generation unafraid to shout back at the patriarchy. Her performance anchors the play’s interrogative tone with charisma and conviction — a true queen of the stage.
The relentless tone builds up to a satisfying conclusion that may be a little optimistic for those of us who tried – and failed – to win over our own domestic battles. Nevertheless, the story lands with authority long denied to women.
Crotchless played at Flight Path Theatre from 4 – 8 November.
Image Credit: Alex Mcleay