Having never been to Chipping Norton Theatre before, this evening was a two-fold treat. Originally a Salvation Army Citadel, the building is just out of sight of the town centre; beautiful yet unassuming on the outside, but hiding a gem of theatrical design inside, with the old-world charm of a music hall.
Our ‘small yet perfectly formed’ Tuesday night audience gathered in the beautiful modern-rustic bar for pre-show drinks, a pleasant hum of anticipation for what we were about to see. You’ve Changed is an original show from award-winning transgender artist Kate O’Donnell, in collaboration with her own trans-led theatre company Trans Creative. With a 1930s style-twist, Kate takes us through her very personal journey where she transitioned from Andrew, to Drew, and finally to Kate. While 2003 may not seem like a long time ago, it was the Dark Ages in transgender terms…indeed, transgender wasn’t even a term back then. The one-hour show takes us through Kate’s own education as she got to grips with her identity, and how she still has to deal with downright rude enquiries and comments about her genitals.
We meet Kate in full Fred Astaire suit and tails, and watch, listen and laugh with her as she transforms before our eyes into Ginger Rogers. I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that I was captivated from start to finish. Kate’s dark humour, as she details the ups and downs of her life and transition, is as refreshing as it is witty. She tells it like it is, as does her vagina, which is given its own tiny stage (with red theatrical curtains to frame it) to answer ridiculous (yet real) FAQs concerning post-gender reassignment activities.
With simple staging of moving mirrored panels, and the occasional aid of dancer Sean Murray, helping Kate shed the masculine suit in which she begins the show, the content of the performance counteracts the modest set-up. There is great depth to the writing, with an acerbic, witty edge, well earned by its writer.
The show seems to aim to assist members of the trans community in their own transition, and also help to educate the rest of the world. Its message is clear, but not preachy: Kate O’Donnell may well have changed, but she wants to know – have you?