What does it mean to feel strong? A question, not often thought about but an important one none the less. Have we ever thought what it means to feel strong before? She Goat therefore ask this question and investigate it further, turning the results into a musical and comedic filled theatre show.

Iron Fantasy is the journey of these two performers to find what it means to feel strong, as a human, as a woman, from the influences of Xena Warrior Princess, Medieval storytelling and culture, and the world of fitness. However, while they body build, drink raw eggs and get new Knight costumes, their journey develops more into questioning them as females, their past and their future – what does it mean to be strong really, in both themselves and as women?

The duo start this quest by peeling themselves out from behind the curtain, with wrist and knee braces, reciting random phrases, some hilarious and some with little sense to them. We find out that these quotes are from children and the youth as they researched for their show. “As strong as eating a bear” or “pulling a car with your teeth” are funny and almost joyous thoughts on what being strong means. They investigate how this changes over age, when life becomes different and the quotes change, from not only the children but themselves as they get older.

Comedic takes on re-enaction of their body building sessions, their love of Xena, are fun to watch and they have a great dynamic between them, bouncing off one another, showing a true friendship and creative partnership. We fall into this comfortable pattern with them, relaxing in our seats and letting the musical interludes and funny scenes wash over us. That is until it gets all too real.

The duo each choose a real life scenario, that does build up, with sneaky interruptions up to this point, until they break through the facade. These aren’t a whack in the face, or massively shocking but they are impactful. A gentle approach is taken to delivering this but it felt a little lost from the high energy up to this point. The important points and stories soon feel a little of an after thought and that feels a real shame.

Overall, Iron Fantasy is a fun and unique debut for She Goat. It is fun, the duo are likeable and have a great concept. I just wanted the final end note to hit more of a punch and not get lost when it was so important.