Presented in digital format as part of Camden People’s Theatre Calm Down, Dear festival, Hannah Ballou’s show focusing on her second pregnancy ticks every box possible.
Performed when Ballou was heavily pregnant, goo:ga is funny, subversive, sensItive, inclusive, informative, and touching. It’s a “raunchy feminist comedy” which is constantly watchable.
Expect off-colour jokes alongside dancing, nudity, and a full four minutes where you are invited to listen to the track Ballou is listening to privately on her headphones. There’s even a guest appearance from a ghost.
There is hope, resignation, fear and connection in the piece, which also features Ballou’s five year old daughter in a routine which proves children are born without prejudice.
As a piece of digital theatre, goo:ga is an intimate piece in which you feel like the sole audience member. Whether you have experience of being a parent or not, we can all relate to the absurdity of being human.
Ballou’s story did not end when goo ga did: her son was born, but required medical intervention at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, for which she has set up a fundraiser.
goo:ga is a sensitive and brave piece in which Ballou doesn’t hold much back. I found it interesting to compare it with PUSH, another digital piece created in late pregnancy and although different in tone, both are brilliant pieces of theatre.
You can stream goo:ga until 11 June on demand – tickets available on a Pay What You Can basis here.