Kerry Leigh in Powerful – Raw, Honest, and Unapologetically Hers
Some shows you plan weeks in advance. Others you stumble into on a whim. Kerry Leigh in Powerful fell firmly into the latter category for me — a spur-of-the-moment choice, made with little idea of what I was walking into. What unfolded was a surprising, intimate, and deeply personal performance.
This is a solo show in every sense, with Kerry Leigh holding the stage for an hour that blends comedy, cabaret, song, dance, storytelling, poetry, puppetry, and even a dash of burlesque. The show moves fluidly — sometimes unpredictably — between themes of freedom, women’s health, grief, sisterhood, and connection. One moment you’re watching a comedic moment, the next you’re hearing something raw and emotional. And yes, the cut-out elephant, baffling at first, reveals its purpose as the narrative unfolds.
There is an underlying thread here: grief is explored, but so is release — both emotional and physical. Kerry’s segment on wild swimming felt particularly powerful, a metaphor for plunging into life’s extremes and emerging. While not every section will resonate with everyone, that’s part of the show’s charm — it’s for a specific audience, much like a niche book or restaurant. It may not be for the masses, but those it does reach will connect deeply.
Audience participation is handled with care. You’re invited in but never forced, making it welcoming for both extroverts and the more reserved. Topics like menopause are addressed with honesty, and Kerry moves between laughter and poignant reflection with ease. There are moments where the energy shifts unexpectedly — an interpretive dance sequence, for example, felt a little out of step with the rest of the material — but the variety keeps you on your toes.
This is a performance designed for the sisterhood, and while men are welcome (and could certainly gain from the themes explored), the tone and topics will likely resonate most strongly with women. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s full of Kerry’s heart.
Rating this show is tricky. It’s not a flawless five-star piece, but it is far too heartfelt and considered to sit at three stars. Did it deliver what it set out to do? Yes. Is there an audience for it? Absolutely. Could a couple of tweaks strengthen it? I think so. But for the soul Kerry pours into it, and the connection she builds with her audience, it earns:
★★★★ – Honest, heartfelt, and full of soul.
Grace Hatchell’s Postbag Pick
Well, my dears, this one took me by surprise. I wandered in expecting a bit of light cabaret fluff and instead found myself nodding along, laughing in recognition, and clutching my handbag through the rawer moments. Kerry Leigh doesn’t just perform — she invites you into her world, pours you a glass of something strong, and tells you exactly how it is. Sisterhood in spades, with a cheeky wink and the odd eyebrow-raising moment. If you’ve ever needed a reminder to grab life by the… well, you know… this is it.”
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/powerful
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