by Willow Vidal-Hall, Young Women’s Worker
From the moment I walked into the studio theatre at Bristol Old Vic, I was taken into the world of Playfight. The stage was filled with mulch, reminiscent of evenings in the playpark, and the tall pink ladder in the centre felt like both a climbing frame and a tree—something both familiar and full of meaning.
The cast was incredible, with strong performances from all three women. Nina Cassells, Sophie Cox, and Lucy Mangan each brought a unique and fully formed character to life, drawing us in within the first few moments.
There was a really interesting reflection on how their home lives shaped the paths they took and how they saw themselves, adding depth to an already powerful piece.
The whole show is subtle and poignant—touching, raw, and unflinching in its portrayal of young women’s lives in a time of rising sexual violence. I laughed hard, and by the end, tears were running down my cheeks.
In a time when truly feminist theatre that reflects the reality of women’s lives can be hard to find, Playfight is a rare gem—one that I think everyone should see.
Find out more about Play On! here: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/playfight
