Belly is a solo show written and performed by Reilly O’Shaughnessy. Three generations of women across one family. A well researched and eye-opening insight into the pressure of having the perfect body!
Ellie is a potentially world-class swimmer with her choice of schools if only she “looked” more athletic, according to her well-meaning coach!
Katie is her auntie, pregnant with her first child and trying to do everything right. Nutrition, healthy eating habits, and no alcohol. However, the Dr says that she sees “drums” it home to her all the dangers and long-term health problems she can cause her baby if she doesn’t get her own BMI down. It was more of a personal attack than advice.
Our third generation is recently widowed Susan, who, alongside grief, is trying to work out her own new eating habits. She shared sandwiches, etc, with her late husband. What should she do with his share now!
Being set in America, the issues around weight, body image pressure, and eating disorders are universal. However, as we don’t have the same private health care schemes, I don’t fully understand the charges and insurance systems that are discussed. Although they sound astronomical considering what the appointment consisted of.
Although we are meant to now be living in a world where “body shaming” isn’t acceptable and we should embrace we are. There’s still pressure on women and what they eat. Body image pressure hasn’t gone away. Eating disorder statistics highlight that. It’s just not published in the same way.
Belly isn’t a story about just one family. This story can be echoed across the globe, affecting millions of females who are desperate to fit in and push their bodies to the point of no return just to fit into an unrealistic and unhealthy image.
For more information about Belly and other productions across Edinburgh Fringe, please use the link below.
Four Stars.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
Leave a comment