“Bold and poetic”, “exciting”, “must-see” – check out what reviewers have been saying about Bella Heesom’s new show about female sexuality, Rejoicing at her Wondrous Vulva the Young Woman Applauded Herself , then book tickets for the remaining performances!
The production runs until 25 May at Ovalhouse.
Rejoicing at her Wondrous Vulva the Young Woman Applauded Herself is an epic journey of self-discovery through the garden of sexuality. Featuring ideas planted during adolescence such as: ‘Only Boys Masturbate’, ‘You are a Sex Object’ and ‘Female Genitals are Gross’, it is a story of self-love, encompassing shame, pride, fury and liberation. The hit show includes is the hidden battle between Brain and Clitoris, Appetite and Ego, shame-free sensuality and the desperate need to be ‘normal’, which everyone will recognise regardless of gender.
It is the second play by Heesom. Her first, My World Has Exploded A Little Bit, explored bereavement and received a host of four and five star reviews. In addition to writing the show, Heesom stars in the production alongside Sara Alexander. The show is directed by Donnacadh O’Briain, who reunites with Heesom having previously directed My World Has Exploded A Little Bit.
Heesom’s show runs at Ovalhouse as part of the theatre’s penultimate season in its current home, before it makes a move to Brixton. It’s joined in the summer season by Custody, a tale exploring how young black men slip through the cracks in society, and Grey, a play by Koko Brown delving into black women’s mental health. The season also includes First Bite productions of Salty Irina, Just Another Day and Night and At Any One Time Other Than This, You Would Be My Friend.
Rejoicing at her Wondrous Vulva the Young Woman Applauded Herself runs at Ovalhouse, 52 – 54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW from 9 to 25 May with performances Tuesdays to Saturday and 13 May 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £16. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!
Review highlights

The Spy in the Stalls – ★★★★★
Flora Doble: “Heesom and Alexander are both stars and their chemistry is incredible…. Rejoicing At Her Wondrous Vulva The Young Woman Applauded Herself will no doubt provide every viewer with a new perspective on the world.”
Arifa Akbar: “Nothing feels gratuitous in Bella Heesom’s bold and poetic play about female sexuality which ends in catharsis not climax.”
Niamh Flynn: “In a time where a plethora of female stories and experiences are being explored through theatre, Rejoicing At Her Wondrous Vulva The Young Woman Applauded Herself is an exciting work that needs to be seen by men and women alike.”
Sandra Giorgetti: “But this remains a must-see play because of the way that it speaks to every woman and fills a gap in the way that it crashes headfirst into a subject that deserves to be under the spotlight.”
Mary Beer: “These artists are talented, committed and have much to say.”
Richard Maguire: “Heesom and Alexander try to dispel the many myths that come with female sexuality.”
Rosemary Waugh: “Donnacadh O’Briain’s production tries out a variety of styles, flitting between comedic passages in which Heesom performs as her brain and Alexander as her clitoris, flashback scenes and gorgeous choreographed sequences.”
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