Juno Birch: Probed At Soho Theatre, London Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland

The Soho theatre is located a few minutes from Tottenham Court Road tube station but equally extremely easy to get to from other stations within ten minutes. The theatre has a busy bar which you can buy drinks to take into the theatre and this is also open when the show finishes. You will have a good chance of meeting Juno too.

If you are planning to go eat beforehand it is advisable to book as the area was so busy with massive queues outside all restaurants in the area. Made more so due to the shops starting to get their Christmas stock and windows ready.

OMG – This is the funniest sixty minutes I have ever sat through but be warned if you are sensitive about any issues don’t go! A typical one-woman stand-up with a very camp and charismatic performance. She taps into everything from IBS medical issues to unscrupulous carers looking after “nanas” in care homes. Oh! And ensure you go to the toilet before you sit down as you will be held to account by her and asked to tell the audience if you are going for a number one or number two but not so delicately. Overall, we had a really fun packed night. Whilst her show is very “near the mark” with some things she says, she effortlessly gauges the audience so it’s unlikely to cause any distress or hurt. I had never heard of her before, but I will definitely be following her from now on and can’t wait to see her in action again in the future. I spent the journey home looking at her videos.

A self-professed sparkling and gorgeous transgender alien with a wig that both Dusty Springfield and Marg Simpson would be proud to own. Her clothing, which I can only describe as a 60’s young office worker with marigolds, sparkly platforms and blue make-up is a sight to behold before she starts talking.

So, who is Juno? Born on Christmas day in Manchester. She is a trans woman who first came out at the age of 13 and underwent gender confirmation in 2015 to alleviate her gender dysphoria. She started performing in 2018 as a drag act and in addition she creates and sells ceramic sculptures that “blur the lines between masculine and feminine attributes”, she is also a well followed on YouTube and popular on Instagram with over 600,000 follows.

Juno Birch: Probed! Review At Soho Theatre, Dean Street.

Rating: 5/5

Prices – range from £23 – £36 which includes standing ticket prices.
https://sohotheatre.com/events/juno-birch-probed/

Dates – Tuesday 5th November to Saturday 16th November. The show starts at 9:30pm for 60 minutes show with no interval.

Whose it aimed at? Over 16’s – definitely, and those not easily offended.

Accessibility – there are ramps and lifts around the venue so access for all. That said the queuing system is chaotic and the seats are pull-down but double so you are sharing the seat with the person next to you. View wise it’s great, being a small venue you are part of the show and Juno does involve the audience.