Review: Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl at Southwark Playhouse Borough
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)
Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl, written and performed by Isabel Renner and directed by Cameron King, invites its audience into the world of the titular Shy Girl as we become her imaginary friends and follow her quest for connection in the big city. Renner has created a character who is equal parts endearing and cringe-inducing, as her naivety and social anxiety lead her to make some questionable choices and to endure embarrassing situations. Living in New York City, Shy Girl is surrounded by “Legends”: people not afflicted by the same crippling shyness as her and who seem to have no problem finding friendship and love. Determined to find her own romantic connection to rival the imaginary love interests in her head, she sets out to pursue her co-worker as a lover and a group of “Legends” as her friends: a journey that leads to self-discovery and personal growth.
Shy Girl is a relatable, funny, and charming heroine who you can’t help but root for over the course of the 70-minute production. Playing both Shy Girl and the other characters in her life - such as the awkward “Sex Avenger” co-worker she attempts to date, the worldly and promiscuous roommate she wishes she could be like, and the six-year-old child she goes to for relationship advice (yes, really) - Isabel Renner displays remarkable versatility as a performer. Each character has a distinct voice and personality, and there is never any confusion about who Renner is portraying, as she embodies each with unique physicality and vocal qualities. King’s direction keeps Renner constantly moving around the set and interacting directly with the audience, making the piece incredibly engaging from start to finish.
Upon entering the auditorium, audience members are invited to write their names on name tags so that Shy Girl can speak to them directly and reference them by name throughout the show. Fear not though, shy audience members - this is the extent of the audience participation, and there’s no expectation for you to respond! This does, however, work brilliantly to build rapport with the audience and to situate us as the imaginary friends she’s sharing her story with: something that feels completely fitting for this character. Audience members are also invited to sit on the set itself throughout the production, either at the dining table or on the sofa, in a move that further breaks the fourth wall between performer and audience. Rather than being a mere gimmick, this choice provides (unspeaking) scene partners for Renner, ensuring it never feels as though Shy Girl is simply talking to herself: a pitfall that one-person shows can sometimes fall into.
The set design, by Lucy Fowler, truly transforms the intimate theatre space of The Little at Southwark Playhouse Borough into a pink-themed party. The floral wallpapered walls of Shy Girl’s apartment are adorned with pink balloons, tinsel, and disco balls, and it’s clear that great thought has gone into the play’s world-building. It’s an inviting space that perfectly captures Shy Girl’s enthusiasm and excitement for the party she’s throwing by the end of the play to impress the “Legends” she’s attempting to befriend.
Incredibly funny, well written, and smart, Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl brings to the stage a character and story that just about anyone who has ever felt out of place or behind in life will find something to relate to. It’s no surprise that the show was a success during its 2024 Edinburgh Fringe run, and in a city like London, there are surely even more people who will be able to see aspects of themselves in Shy Girl - or at least laugh at her antics alongside the rest of her imaginary friends.
Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 15th November 2025.
Photos by Charlie Lyne