Featuring the donation of pubic hair, Jack Daniels much singing and dancing, Bryony Kimmings' Sex Idiot is for the adventurous and open mind says Bella Saltiel.
Sex Idiot is both a bizarre piece of performance art and a treat for the imagination. Following the realisation that she has contracted a common STD, 29 year-old Bryony Kimmings decides to take her audience through a romp of her sexual past, by way of contemporary dance, song, vignettes and performance.
Kimming's piece is light-hearted and easy to relate to. Watching her strut across the stage in nothing but a lace dress is amusing, but the symbolism behind it is never undermined. Ultimately her point is that everyone has sex, sex is fun, it should be fun and silly, but things happen, people make mistakes.
This absurd piece is certainly not for everyone, but those with an adventurous and open mind would do well to see it. In other words, if you're not offended by the prospect of donating or watching other members of the audience donate tufts of pubic hair whilst swigging a shared bottle of Jack Daniels, then head to Soho now. In fact, you're probably already there.
Sex Idiot is an honest representation of female sexuality. The crude humour could be toned down, but then that could cause the subject to become too austere. Seeing a woman stand on stage talking about sex (even acting out sex) in this frank slapstick way makes the subject more approachable. Certainly there are a few awkwardly folded arms, but for the most part the close proximity of the stage makes it a wholly interactive piece, uniting the audience in shared hilarity and at some points, utter disbelief.
Altogether an ambitious piece that could only be pulled off by Kimming's frankness and relaxed manner. Her ability to tell a story with only herself and some shrubbery as props is striking. What with the crude songs and dances to rival any accomplished Go Go dancer, Sex Idiot makes for an interesting, fun night out.
by Bella Saltiel
Sex Idiot runs at Soho Theatre until 16th April 2011.
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