Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl is a one-person comedy play that is being performed in the Drawing Room in the Assembly Rooms venue. Written and performed by Isabel Renner, it tells the story of Shy Girl (never named), as she attempts to go beyond the comforts of her isolated life and imaginary friends. Shy Girl takes the audience through her recent attempts at dating a guy from her work named Pino, and discusses her interactions with her therapist (a six-year-old named Shelly) and her roommate (named Memphis). Throughout the show, Shy Girl makes references to a group of “legends” who she badly wants to befriend but feels unable to because of “shy stuff”.
Renner gives an extraordinary performance in Wyld Woman. While much of the time they are in character as the titular role, they also get into character as at least six other figures in the show. Despite the number of characters, though, Renner gives each of them an entirely distinct style, and it is always clear to the audience exactly who they are supposed to be at any point in time.
Despite the moniker of “Shy Girl”, Renner’s acting is anything but shy. They fully commit to everything onstage – be it lying across a table (at which two audience members are seated), or giving an interpretive dance about a blow job while dressed in a Paris-themed leotard. Their commitment to each of their roles, paired with Cameron King’s direction, makes this show hilarious to watch, and will ensure that the audience will never quite know what to expect.
Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl is, true to its title, a legendary show. Renner’s writing is unfalteringly funny. Their particular brand of humour is refreshingly unique, and this show will have any audience laughing the whole way through.
