Disclaimer before we begin: the star rating is in no way impacted by the fact I myself ended up being pulled up to “perform” in this show. If it was, it would certainly be at a 0!

Bouffon has to be one of my favourite theatre genres. If you’re unaware of what this is, this is “clowning” but more about the taboo side of society. The aim is to highlight themes, ideas, topics and be highly satirical about this. What I love is there seems to be more of this at fringe this year, and that can only be a great thing.

CVNT, with its highly coded title (not really) is all about empowerment, of taking back the reins of your life, yet still knowing that you aren’t a perfect person, as well as the taboo around female menstruation and female anatomy. A topic that even in 2025 there is a struggle and a taboo around discussing openly.

Sophie Power immediately enters the stage after creating slow anticipation; singing slowly “Don’t you want me baby” as she plays with the nearest audience from behind a curtain, she begins to add a level of fear and nervousness amongst us. Revealing herself, in true bouffon form, she is dressed head to toe in shades of red and pink tulle, silky gloves with sharp nails (reminiscent of HIM from the Powerpuff Girls) with only her face on display that contorts and plays with us. This is somehow threatening but also inviting and creates much confusion.

Audience participation is at its top in this – we laugh, we are shocked, we are surprised, we are confused all in unison but somehow, Power creates a really powerful union within us. We root for each other but also laugh. Some participation is vulnerability and taking that power back, some is an anatomy lesson, some are “party games” and, in my case, the chance to blow the dust off my own bouffon days (and poorly may I add!). But for once, no one is reluctant. Despite this foreboding figure, we trust them and this helps in luring us into the hilarious, the shocking, the taboo and we accept that fully.

CVNT is a stroke of absolute genius in bouffon/clowning but isn’t for the faint hearted or the meek. Prepare to be fully thrown into the obscene, the madness, the chaotic but laugh so unbelievably hard for the entire thing.