‘Endometriosis the Musical’ has made its debut at the Fringe this year. What an addition it has been to the programme.
Funny, unusual and unexpectedly moving, this musical details one office worker’s experience of her chronic pain and the struggle for a diagnosis.
Fling in a dancing uterus, a few dismissive doctors and in true Shakespearean fashion, a character that was mauled by a bear. It sounds like a poor joke, but what it produced felt more than just a punchline.
The cast were talented with incredible vocals and their comedic timing enhanced their performance. At one point, a personified Aunt Flo flung period pads out unto the masses, and I couldn’t help but think: ‘this is perfect.’
The musical’s ability to be so outlandish is important; it demonstrates what it can feel like trying to have an open and honest conversation about reproductive health and chronic pain. A conversation which is often met with awkwardness and shame.
I related personally, having received my diagnosis of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS for short) over six years ago, there were so many aspects that they referred to throughout the musical that I felt I could stand up and sing along with them. It was a tune I and I’m sure many others knew well.
Often, Endometriosis and PMOS intertwine with one another. The fatigue, disruptive cycles and impact on daily life. One in ten people assigned female at birth are diagnosed with Endometriosis, and it’s one in seven for PMOS. However, as the musical demonstrates, with dismissals aplenty and not being taken seriously, it can take up to a decade to receive a diagnosis for the condition.
Since seeing this show, I can’t stop thinking about it. This group has managed to take a topic which is mostly ignored and make a catchy, crazy and chronically spot-on musical-comedy about Endometriosis in a world that is not fully aware or equipped to understand what that means.
Hi, I’m Erin. I’m currently studying English and History. She/her
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