Pippa Winslow presents a one-woman theatrical extravaganza detailing her life story with all it’s glorious highs and heart wrenching lows at The Rabbit Hole in Hampstead.
Walking into this space you’re not quite sure what to expect. The Rabbit Hole is an interestingly intimate venue with low ceilings and a small stage that leans itself beautifully to Winslow’s topic of choice and her versatile voice.
Knowing of Winslow’s previous, and critically acclaimed, success as an actress in the USA and London’s West End I attended her one woman show with high hopes. . . . and I wasn’t disappointed.
‘Just A Housewife’ takes us through Winslow’s incredibly interesting life with all the details. We are instantly exposed to the inner most private parts of her life as she welcomes us openly and discusses her career, relationships, motherhood and being ‘Just a Housewife’.
This singing songstress knows how to welcome and ‘wow’ her audience through natural ease with both comedy and song whilst remaining honest, sincere and connected to the performance.
From the opening moment there is non stop hilarity and humour with moments of beautiful tenderness and honesty. This really is one woman’s heart wrenching, soul searching story and as the audience we feel privileged to be the ‘best friend’ that she’s caring and sharing with.
This poignant autobiographical show encompasses musical numbers that effortlessly enhance the narrative. A few highlights include the hilarious and wonderfully executed ‘Penguin Song’, ‘You Can Always Count On Me’ and ‘Woman’.
A particular favourite was ‘Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off’ with a clever and witty creative twist making this timeless classic feel fresh and modern.
I laughed, I cried and I watched with awe as Winslow used her wonderful range to effortlessly manoeuvre between genres; from jazz to musical theatre and on to opera all the while emotionally engaging her audience.
This is a unique take on an ageless story, one woman’s recognisable journey to find ‘herself’ and life’s meaning after years of devotion to her family.
Winslow is so much more than ‘Just A Housewife’, she is a star and is shining brighter than ever.
Reviewed by Matthew Wren Andrew