Smashed Tickets

Comedy has always been a way to bring laughter and joy to people's lives, no matter what the circumstances. And although many comedians have gone down in history as legends for their groundbreaking performances and hilarious stand-up routines, there are just as many lesser-known comedians making waves in the industry today.

One comedian who has been creating headlines recently is Chris Addison, who was the co-writer and director of the critically acclaimed political sitcom The Thick of It, as well as being a regular presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live's Fighting Talk. Addison has now directed his talents towards theatre with his new play Smashed, which is described as "an anarchic comedy about female drunkenness."

Smashed is a hilarious and poignant theatrical exploration of different types of women you might find on a night out, all portrayed with an irreverent and exuberant humour that feels altogether very modern. The play focuses solely on characters ahead of a big night out drinking, allowing us to see them in their natural habitat – some more comfortable than others. As the alcohol begins to flow, the night progresses into a chaotic blur of over-indulging. Their jokes, tales, anecdotes and self reflections are delivered throughout with charisma, heart and humour.

Although Smashed centres around the concept of drunkenness, it goes far beyond this, exploring themes such as female bonding, identity and their anxieties. Many of the women in the play’s themes feel like they were plucked from essays in magazines like Cosmopolitan or Glamour, but as per the grace of Addison's writing, they time and again get elevated beyond clichés and stereotypes. You will find broad personalities: the loud one, the shy one, the shallow one, the philosopher, the wild-child, and so on. But despite these generalisations, you will find yourself immersed in each of these characters, inevitably feeling drawn to identify with at least one.

Smashed gives an honest and satirical take on the true meaning of female friendships, the complexities contained within them and how alcohol can bring both the best and worst out in people. But it also strikes much deeper than that, demonstrating the deeply rooted social expectations placed upon women, as well as many unspoken truths every young girl growing up should know.

Like most great theatre productions, comedy is never far away, but Addison ensures there are enough emotional punches in the content to develop the stories beyond easy laughs. This balance rewards the audience with a hilariously funny yet emotionally rich experience which aggregates all the audiences; not just female, not just younger crowds, but theatregoers from all walks of life, enhancing the topic accessibly, intriguing already sceptical audiences.

In conclusion, Smashed is more than just a play about women getting drunk. It's an honest portrayal of female relationships, the struggles and pressures women face daily and how we find our way through into adulthood while still keeping a wicked sense of humour. The show knows when to be funny, when to be sincere and when even to hit you hard for your attention. Chris Addison presents a hilarious score of characters that reflect larger society. With relevance and humor this production will no doubt, educate, amuse and entertain those who come to witness.