"Rebellion and Ruin: A Recipe for Unapologetic Comedy"
In the heart of America's Bible belt, a woman struggles to keep up appearances as she hosts her late mom's community cooking show. Kate Owens brings this unapologetic story to life with a teasing and charismatic presence, perfectly capturing the essence of a woman on the edge, desperate to break free from the chains of patriarchal repression.
The show is an ode to the absurdity of Christian zealotry's suffocating grip on women, as Kathryn navigates her tyrannical mom's expectations. The kitchen workshops quickly devolve into slapstick chaos, with Owens showcasing a deft clownish touch that keeps every sequence pregnant with possibility. From an erotic egg-beating skit to a hastily improvised tinfoil bandage, the show is unafraid to push boundaries and laugh in the face of adversity.
But it's not all laughs; as Kathryn confronts her own desires and deviates from the path of Christian chastity, she must also contend with the weight of societal expectations. Owens' performance takes a bold turn into drunken acting, bringing the audience along for the wild ride. However, the show doesn't quite reach its climax, with a so-so song about Kathryn's deviations and an unsatisfying absolution from her mom.
Despite this, Kate Owens is undeniably on fire, expertly juggling broad physical comedy with nuanced character development. As she keeps the audience firmly in the palm of her hand, it becomes clear that Kathryn's hands are a precarious place to be – she's constantly struggling to assert control over her own body and desires.
Until 10 January at Soho theatre, London, "Cooking With Kathryn" is an unapologetic comedy that will leave you laughing and cringing in equal measure. Owens' masterful performance is not to be missed, as she serves up a recipe for rebellion and ruin that's both deliciously dark and sidesplittingly funny.
In the heart of America's Bible belt, a woman struggles to keep up appearances as she hosts her late mom's community cooking show. Kate Owens brings this unapologetic story to life with a teasing and charismatic presence, perfectly capturing the essence of a woman on the edge, desperate to break free from the chains of patriarchal repression.
The show is an ode to the absurdity of Christian zealotry's suffocating grip on women, as Kathryn navigates her tyrannical mom's expectations. The kitchen workshops quickly devolve into slapstick chaos, with Owens showcasing a deft clownish touch that keeps every sequence pregnant with possibility. From an erotic egg-beating skit to a hastily improvised tinfoil bandage, the show is unafraid to push boundaries and laugh in the face of adversity.
But it's not all laughs; as Kathryn confronts her own desires and deviates from the path of Christian chastity, she must also contend with the weight of societal expectations. Owens' performance takes a bold turn into drunken acting, bringing the audience along for the wild ride. However, the show doesn't quite reach its climax, with a so-so song about Kathryn's deviations and an unsatisfying absolution from her mom.
Despite this, Kate Owens is undeniably on fire, expertly juggling broad physical comedy with nuanced character development. As she keeps the audience firmly in the palm of her hand, it becomes clear that Kathryn's hands are a precarious place to be – she's constantly struggling to assert control over her own body and desires.
Until 10 January at Soho theatre, London, "Cooking With Kathryn" is an unapologetic comedy that will leave you laughing and cringing in equal measure. Owens' masterful performance is not to be missed, as she serves up a recipe for rebellion and ruin that's both deliciously dark and sidesplittingly funny.
. The idea of a woman trying to break free from patriarchal expectations in a conservative community is really interesting. It sounds like Kate Owens' performance is on point, though - she has that whole "clownish touch" thing down pat 
. But at the same time, I'm not sure if the show's message is conveyed in a way that feels satisfying. Is it just a bunch of laughs with no real depth? 
it's like, the kitchen workshops are sooo funny but also kinda sad cuz she's tryin to find herself and assert control over her own body 
and Owen's performance is just perfect - she's got that comedic timing that'll leave u LOLing but also feel bad for Kathryn 
i went 2 see it last nite @ Soho theatre in London and it was SOOO good!! 
but what i love most about this show is how it tackles them issues of patriarchal repression and societal expectations without bein too preachy or heavy-handed 
it's like kate owens just takes all these feelings and puts 'em into a big ol' plate of comedy with a side of awkwardness 
. The kitchen workshops are literally the most uncomfortable thing I've ever seen 
, but in a good way? I mean, who hasn't had to deal with their mom's constant nagging about being "pure" or whatever 
. The show's not perfect, but Kate Owens' performance is honestly mesmerizing 
- I need to see more of her stuff ASAP! 
. Anyway, I think the show's message is pretty clear: it's okay to be yourself and not take crap from others. That's a value I can get behind! 