Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl

Southwark Playhouse Borough

Playing until 15th November 2025

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Photo credit: Charlie Lyne

{PR Gifted ticket}

Isabel Renner’s Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl is a vibrant, confessional solo piece that blends comedy, character work, and personal storytelling into a pink-hued birthday party for the socially anxious Renner. In addition to being the writer, Renner is also the protagonist, a New Yorker determined to overcome her timidity by rehearsing her birthday party in front of a live audience. It’s a clever concept, and the immersive setup designed by Lucy Fowler is completed with name tags for the audience and a kitchen table where some are invited to sit, immediately breaking the fourth wall and sets a playful tone.

The show’s strength lies in Renner’s commitment to character and her ability to shift voices and personas with precision. From her sex-positive roommate Memphis to a six-year-old therapist she babysits, Renner populates her world with exaggerated figures that add texture and humour.

She throws herself into the role with infectious energy, and her physical comedy - including a surreal “blowjob ballet” - is both inventive and fearless. There’s a raw honesty beneath the chaos, especially when she reflects on her own shame and desire to be seen. These moments of vulnerability are where the show shines most.

However, not all the jokes hit their mark. Some punchlines feel forced, and the pacing occasionally suffers when the show leans too heavily into its more self-indulgent tangents. The humour, while bold, sometimes lacks the subtlety or surprise needed to sustain a solo performance.

Still, Wyld Woman is never boring. It’s a whirlwind of character sketches, confessions, and theatrical stunts that keep the audience on their toes. Renner’s charisma carries the show even when the writing falters, and the immersive staging adds a layer of intimacy that suits the material well.

Ultimately, this is a show that celebrates the messy, awkward, and hilarious parts of being human - especially when you’re trying to be brave. It’s not perfect, but it’s heartfelt, and it made me laugh more than once.

Creatives

Writer: Isabel Renner

Director: Cameron King

Set and Costume Designer: Lucy Fowler

Lighting Designer: Catja Hamilton

Sound Designer: Sasha Howe

Producer: Catherine Schreiber