Malion

A really great and intense experience! The old myth is adapted to modern times and fits concerningly well as it emphasises the misogyny at the core of the story and many communities today. Galatea’s performance is really moving as she exudes the joy of becoming alive and then learns what it means to be a woman in society at gazed at. Malion’s actor is equally perfect as he develops from an overprotective and idealising artist into a terrifying man trying to “possess” Galatea. Especially the radicalising effect of “locker room talk” is made palpable and serves as a great conversation starter. This show really stays with you for a long time.

Outstanding play, had me gripped from the start. Powerful and significant. Very well written and directed. Exceptional performances from the cast of 4. Please don’t miss this.

Powerful play and utterly compelling, very important to see. But I would strongly advise book a comedy for later the same day

Wow! Malion is definitely the best play I’ve seen in a long time. Extremely well written and directed depiction of misogyny. I was captivated by the actress Rachael Campbell playing Galatea and couldn’t take my eyes off her the full time. A very talented actress she projected every emotion so deeply that the audience could feel her pain. One very talented actress. Galatea made the stage explode with life and pain. This story so unfortunately is something that still happens to women on a daily basis and could be triggering for many to watch. All 4 actors were excellent. You end up hating the 3 misogynistic male characters as sadly relate to their behaviour. Malion tried to be strong and respectful but like all misogyny his friends easily pulled him down to their corrupt and creepy level. The writer is obviously very talented. What a fabulous show and I fully recommend that every everyone should go and see this dark, hard hitting show. Well done to all.

Well written and directed this thought provoking tale sensitively demonstrates the devastating impact of mysogonistic views on the female victim and the negative effects of peer pressure and laddish behaviour on the 3 young males.
All 4 cast members bring something different to the stage and give very believable performances.
For me Rachael Campbell’s portrayal of Galatea was outstanding, she brought such energy and emotion to the role. Surely a name to watch out for in the future.
Well done to cast and crew.

This is a brilliant show that really made me think about sex and how I relate to other people. It is interesting how something can be beautiful and horny at the same time, depending on how you look at it, and the harm that we can do from objectifying each other. Don’t miss Malion, this show is beautiful and acted brilliantly, with so much depth and variety. They do a great job of splitting between classical and laddish registers. It’s so unique. Check it out.

This was a well written piece from a promising writer, always nice to see men taking accountability and reflecting on systemic misogyny through interesting ways. The acting all round was very convincing and the cast were strong , I’ve no idea if this is their first play as I forgot to ask but defo lots of promise. Also the galetea who turned to stone is too convincing at being a statue ! Well done team

Meardon's portrayal of modern day misogyny among men perfectly captures the unsettling atmosphere that many young men, including myself, are often subjected to when with other men. The downfall of Malion demonstrates how easily 'lad-culture', which was expressed brilliantly by Malion's friends, spreads between men and how in these uncomfortable situations, it is easier for some men to succumb to peer-pressure and contribute to the sexist conversations. The unease experienced by men in such a scenario however, is insignificant to the constant sexual objectification of women, as observed in this piece.

Malion serves as an important reminder to all men to oppose misogynistic views, even if it means losing friends. The downward spiral of allowing these views to be normalised is displayed by Malions dark transition from a loving man to a danger - an inevitable and inescapable danger to all women.

Wonderfully acted and superbly directed, Malion teaches us a lesson to speak up against even the most casual forms of misogyny. It is important that such attitudes are immediately called out and prevented from leading to something more serious.

Malion, at its essence, captures the anxieties of many women – are all men a threat? Can they be trusted? Do they truly see you as an equal?
Although fully referencing the ancient Greek deities and culture in which the original Pygmalion was set, the modern misogyny explored in Malion is relatable to any woman who has had relationships with men - the dread you have when thinking about how your partner may speak about you to his mates, or the fear that he too, deep within, holds a side in his nature that you’ve seen far too often in other men – the casual chauvinism, objectification and sense of entitlement.

By focusing on men in groups and the toxicity of male bonding, Malion provides a disturbing and at times distressing tale. But there is hope. Because this undoubtedly feminist play and exploration of the toxic male psyche has been written and directed by men. Joseph Meardon (writer) captures the raw, unadulterated poison too often normalised in male ‘banter’. Whether we have seen it in group chats by rogue police officers or male students (remember Warwick University’s students’ rape chat?), sexist and misogynist dialogue seems all too familiar.

The direction of Michael Phillips ensures the audience is never comfortable, and the stellar cast create a depiction so intense and disturbing that you are left questioning how as a society, we can allow the continuation and propagation of such damaging misogynist views.

Malion is a play that challenges all men to think about their actions. That recognises a shared responsibility between all men to confront and question their behaviour as individuals and in groups. A definite must watch for all.

I think it offers a brillant new perspective on an old myth. Galatea’s acting was very confincing. So were the lads, unfortunately. It is also interesting to see how the language changes: from very poetical to ordinary, trivial and vulgar. I do recommend it.

WOW!
Well written, well preformed.
This young cast were outstanding.
A must see show.

The performers very quickly show how 2 blokes of no particular merit can influence an artist who has his own inner doubts , into going from a creator of beauty and spirit to a sad pathetic lover of vice. Excellent performances all round and Rachael Campbell as the only female cast member was sterling in dealing with the whirlwind of destruction challenging her character at every turn.

A show everyone should see. An interesting portrayal of the pygmalion tale. Demonstrating the impact of male peer pressure on the sculptor and of the woman he created, Galatea. Some of the themes were quite uncomfortable but the script is so well written and acted by the talented cast that the audience was mesmerised for the whole show.
The actor playing Galatea was able to convey her emotions of love, horror and repulsiveness as she came to life and subsequently returned stone. Simply brilliant.
Go see it.
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Strong performances to get across the strong message of the play, the writing and acting are top notch in this show. It brings powerful and thought out acting. The use of classical Greek elements and modern day topics are brought together extremely well. A show that people needed to go see. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An absolutely stellar cast perform this deeply evocative retelling of Pygmalion, with wonderul support and direction. It spares no punches, and this play will stay in your thoughts long after you see it - and make you quite rightly uncomfortable and uneasy as you question the misogyny that exists in society today. The actress that plays Galatea displays a wide range of emotions beautifully acted from love, hope, sorrow, disgust and hate and really makes you feel for the character. A wonderful transformation piece from deep caring and true love to absolute lust. Brilliant show - so good I've seen it four times.100% recommend seeking out this show.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fabulous script with very important themes. Wonderfully powerful performance from a really strong cast. The movement and staging really brought the story to life. Definitely a show to catch this Fringe season!

This excellent and thought-provoking retelling of Pygmalion is cleverly written, paced and staged. It has moments of drama that speak volumes of the attitudes of a certain type of abusive men and shows clearly the dangers of peer pressure and also the beauty and value of women. As a deep believer in equality for all people and the importance of respecting each other, despite our differences, this story sounds out like a clarion call. Each of the 4 actors does a fabulous job and the part of Galatea is handled so well with some brilliant facial expressions. A shout out to the excellent techs who did a superb job with the atmospheric sounds and lights. This is a must-see show, timeless, moving and meaningful.

It's hard to write a review saying "see this show, it's amazing!" when the show leaves you uncomfortable and somber. And that is why you should absolutely see this show. ''Malion" attacks the misogyny of our society in a raw, unapologetic way and delivers it's disgusting truths hidden behind beautiful, poetic lines. This modern retelling of Pygmalion is clever, honest and gripping. The cast does an amazing job at hooking you until the very. See this show but remember the name - Galatea.