Cathie

Odeke’s play text masterfully blends the cheeky, traditional humour of British seaside towns with a scathing critique of the deeply racist and misogynistic society that Joanna faces. The witty dialogue and comic scenes are peppered with nods and caricatures of classic music hall traditions, yet also contains the charm of the vintage Carry-On movies, resulting in a playful spirited, energy that keeps the audience highly engaged. Yet while the humour and light-hearted moments shine, Princess Essex also delves into more serious territory, addressing the systemic racism and inequality that Joanna must navigate. Despite the fun, there are sensitive themes around derogatory language and sexism, handled with utmost care and woven into the fabric of the story without overshadowing its joyful spirit.