Written and performed by Magalie Rouillard-Bazinet
The premise of Homecumming immediately tells audiences what they are in for. The production follows a woman who can no longer reach orgasm, but what initially appears to be a story centred around sexuality quickly develops into something much deeper. Inspired by real life, it explores mental health, depression, shame, self-worth and the long journey towards healing with honesty, humour and compassion.
This production landed in my inbox at the last minute and, as I happened to have a gap in my schedule, I thought, “Why not?” Sometimes those spontaneous bookings turn out to be the most memorable.
The show’s title and subject matter may cause some people to hesitate, and if you’re particularly prudish it may not be the production for you. However, anyone expecting something crude or graphic will be pleasantly surprised. Homecumming is not about shock value. It tells an engaging, heartfelt story that uses its central theme as a gateway into much larger conversations about identity, vulnerability and personal growth.
Magalie Rouillard-Bazinet delivers an excellent performance throughout. She has a natural stage presence and demonstrates impressive acting ability, bringing her character to life with warmth, humour and emotional honesty. It is a demanding role that asks her to move between comedy, vulnerability and introspection, and she does so with confidence and authenticity.
At the end of the performance, Magalie shared with the audience that bringing the show to the Edinburgh Fringe had been a three-year journey. Knowing that only added to the appreciation of the dedication and passion that had clearly gone into creating the production.
One of the most interesting aspects of the performance was watching the audience react. There were moments where many of the women in attendance could be seen nodding in recognition at what was being said, while the humour landed equally well with both men and women. The laughter was shared across the room, making it feel like a genuinely inclusive experience rather than one aimed at a single demographic.
The production has plenty of energy, a strong sense of humour and an emotional core that keeps the audience invested. It successfully balances entertaining moments with more reflective ones, ensuring the story never loses momentum.
I suspect the title alone may put some people off booking a ticket, which would be a shame. Homecumming is far from being a tacky production. Beneath its playful name lies a thoughtful, funny and surprisingly touching piece of theatre that deserves to be judged on its content rather than its title.
Overall, Homecumming is an engaging and well-performed production that tackles sensitive themes with humour, honesty and heart. If you have the opportunity to catch it during the Fringe, it is well worth making a beeline for.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/homecumming
★★★★☆
“Funny, fearless and full of heart, Homecumming proves there’s far more beneath its cheeky title than first meets the eye.”
As Homecumming has been reviewed by Theatre Village, it also becomes an official nominee for The Satchel of Dreams Award.
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