Julie Burchill Is Away

Synopsis

Bitchy, funny, acerbic, controversial, notorious, iconoclastic, legendary... everyone is the media has a word for no-holds-barred columnist Julie Burchill, and they're not often complimentary. In this bitingly funny play, Sian Notley explores the contradictions of this complex and curious figure. From f-words to feng-shui, Julie speaks her own un-private story out loud with wit, chutzpah... and no regrets. This play is not suitable for children.

Our Review:

11 June 2002

Julie Burchill is not away really. The formerly hip NME gunslinger turned "sold-out" broadsheet columnist has come up from her self-imposed exile in Brighton and is letting rip in true hack style at London's Soho Theatre in Tim Fountain's slight but still provocative play.

As a solo vehicle for comedienne Jackie Clune (pictured), the onstage Burchill is a good deal thinner and less aurally grating than her real-life counterpart. In fact, she's more palatable altogether. Both Fountain and Clune are self-confessed fans of the Queen of Spleen, and their admiration is evident in this portrayal, with the worst of Burchill's bitchy excesses watered down to seem 'truthful' and eccentric rather than just plain cruel. (That said, plenty still come in for trademark pastings, not least Camille Paglia, John Lennon and Burchill's ex-husband and fellow journo Tony Parsons, with whom she maintains a long-running feud.)

Even being aware of such whitewashing, it's hard not to sha...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 1 July 2002:

I have never read a Julie Burchill article and had no idea who she was or what she was about! I went to see this show on a friends reccomendation - and will gladly go and see it again. I got the humour straight away and fell in love with a certain Jackie Clune. Her performance is spellbinding - I was captivated (No easy task to accomplish to a man in his late 40's!). Tim Fountain has weaved magic with the script and I was left grinning for hours after. I have read quite a few reviews about this play since I have seen it and cannot understand how some reviewers have reacted - are they jealous about a superb show that isn't about them? I think so. Go and see this show it really is a must!! ...

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