Written and performed by Sophie Power
Debaucherous humor, and a show full of audience participation, Sophie Powers gets a room full of people to laugh, grunt, yell and play games all while dressed up as a c*nt
Reviewed by Matthaios Hortomaris
The Malthouse Playbox, Southbank
Until 6th April, 2025
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/cvnt/
2 STARS
Type: Clowning, Performance Theatre
If You Liked: Hot Department, Big Mouth, Ben McCarthy
Dressed up as the titular organ itself, Sophie Power enters the room ready to explore if c*nt really is the worst word we have to offer. This one woman comedy show is an unhinged mix of anatomy lesson, breathing exercises, and maybe even some therapy.
The show started off with 15 minutes (yes 15 full minutes) of a “climactic” soundscape with the whole audience orchestra being conducted by Power herself. Vulvas and alternatives for the word c*nt resonated throughout the theatre, with some sections dragging until Power got the gag she was wanting to set up. Childrens party games became extraordinarily adult as the female anatomy was placed front and centre for audiences to participate in; be prepared for plenty of audience interaction.
It wasn’t just the physical nature of a c*nt that Power focused on, but the metaphorical c*nts we meet day-to-day in this capitalist world also – bosses, landlords, tickets inspectors; no one was safe. What followed (no giveaway here) allowed you to feel the cathartic release from those who participated.
The show featured some singalong moments in the shock factor of bringing the audience along for the ride. Cleverly using Divinyls ‘I Touch Myself’, and Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’, with full kudos to Power having everyone in the audience involved, I couldn’t help but feel however that it was too much like an academic performance assessment.
With a title like CVNT, you should expect a show that is only suitable for those who do not take themselves too seriously, and are ready to laugh. There is no subtlety in this show at all, however Power clowning chops had everyone in the audience involved. While this show was not for me personally, the energy from the crowd, and their willingness to participate is proof that there is method to the madness that is this chaotic, and giggle inducing show.
Created & Performed by: Sophie Power
Co-devised by Sophie Power, Fabio Motta, Emma Fawcett and Elise Pascoe
Director: Fabio Motta
Assistant Director: Elise Pascoe
Dramaturg: Emma Fawcett
Additional support Sophie Bengough
Book tickets to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 here.
