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Best Kept Secret - Cherry Soda Co (FringeWorld 2025)

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

 

Cherry Soda Co.’s Best Kept Secret promised a fusion of feminist monologues and burlesque, and for the most part, it delivered a striking and dynamic performance. Running at 75 minutes instead of the advertised 60, the show blended personal storytelling with sultry, well-rehearsed choreography, though at times it felt like it was searching for a stronger connective thread.


The short individual monologues were the highlight of the evening. Each performer brought a distinct and well-defined character to life, demonstrating both understanding and depth. The realism in the writing and delivery was engaging, drawing the audience into each woman’s world with ease. These solo moments were compelling, showcasing the power of personal narrative and theatrical intimacy.


However, the interstitial group scenes didn’t always match the strength of the monologues. Some of these transitions felt sluggish and lacked the same organic flow, creating moments where the energy dipped. Tightening these sequences would have helped maintain the momentum of the piece, particularly given the extended runtime.


A notable challenge was the absence of a clear throughline. While the monologues were individually strong, the show as a whole could have benefitted from a more cohesive narrative structure or more recurring thematic elements to tie everything together. Given the format, incorporating the hosts more actively might have provided a guiding presence to bridge the segments and keep the audience engaged.


That said, the production elements were well-executed. Choreography was polished, enhancing the burlesque aspect without feeling overdone. The lighting design made effective use of color to differentiate characters, though some additional special lighting could have helped spotlight the central figures in group numbers. Costume design was another strength, with thoughtful colour-coding that reinforced each character’s individuality and added visual cohesion.


Best Kept Secret showcased a wealth of talent, with its monologues standing out as the show’s greatest asset. With some refinement in pacing and a stronger structural foundation, this production has the potential to evolve into something even more powerful. For now, it remains an engaging, if slightly uneven, evening of theatre that leaves its audience entertained.

Reviewer Note: Kate has previously performed in the Hayman Theatre for FringeWorld 2023 and on other projects. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.


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