★ ★ ★ ★
Girlfriends are forever. That’s the big take away from the show – and not a bad one at that.
Candace Bushnell has an extensive list of enviable accomplishments: a successful column in the New York observer, books in the New York Times best seller list and of course, the incredible world of ‘Sex and The City’. Bushnell has skilfully leveraged her success to illuminate the intricacies of her identity, life, and the profound influence she wielded over the iconic show.
Brace yourself for a spoiler – she is the original Carrie Bradshaw!
Presented as a captivating one-woman show, Bushnell masterfully unveils the tapestry of her extraordinary life, inviting audiences to journey through her past and reminisce about the enchanting memories woven into the vibrant streets of New York City. Through vivid storytelling, she delves into the nuanced details of her glamorous existence, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inspiration that fuelled the creation of the timeless characters and narratives that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
One won’t be surprised to find a vivacious and youthful energy onstage as Bushnell has a knack for interactive storytelling that undeniably draws the audience in – after all this is the mind behind the successful franchise. The show is also scripted beautifully and provides an engaging narrative for the audience to easily follow, never shy of humour.
The female dominated audience was that of all ages, many with their girlfriends enjoying London as Bushnell once did New York. For some, the experience became a poignant journey down memory lane, a nostalgic reflection on their own exploits in their 30s. For others, the show served as a wellspring of inspiration, inviting them to envision and dream as they immersed themselves in a timeless tale of the American Dream – a young woman, armed with only $20, alone in a daunting city.
For a ’Sex and The City’ newbie, this might not be the show for you. Riddled with references and tailored anecdotes, this show is predominantly centred around the franchise – it is what got Bushnell put on the map.
Premiering in the late 90s, the TV show became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing female sexuality in its rawest form. It boldly defied societal norms by granting its all-female cast the agency to embrace sexual promiscuity and unabashed sensuality, challenging conventional expectations. However, Bushnell herself contends that despite its progressive portrayal, the show may not fully embody feminism. She underscores the characters’ adherence to a male-oriented mindset, emphasising her own departure from such convention (“I don’t want to be with Mr Big. I want to be Mr Big”). The audience is reminded, through Bushnell as the very example, that the power a woman can wield far outweighs her expected need for a man or family (“I’m not married, and I don’t have kids, and I’m grateful.”)
You may be a Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte, or Carrie – but there is only one Candace Bushnell. Touching on sex, romance and shoes, this show has all the things you love about ‘Sex and The City’, but it elegantly builds on from that. Showing truths behind some fairy tales like Mr Big, a new narrative is created that is solely set on empowering women to buy their own shoe closet.