Identities put on its final showing in Sheffield last night at Theatre Deli, delighting the crowd with its raunchy boob jokes and pulling on heartstrings with its touching story.
Co-written by women who have experienced breast cancer, the play tells the story of Lucy from the perspective of her boobs, played by actors Rae Bell and Hannah Harquart, as they experience a first bra fitting, seeing a man for the first time, and a breast cancer scare.
Rae Bell, who also co-wrote Identities, said: “The idea is that the two boobs act as a comic relief for something that is really quite scary, and it takes the audience out of this ‘cancer’ world and puts them in a more safe world, and it’s a safer way to deal with such a strong topic.
“Yes, the play is about boobs. But it’s also about being a woman, and all the things you go through as a woman.”
In 60-minutes, which is the time it takes to perform a lumpectomy, the audience learns about breast cancer and methods of prevention, safely packaged between the silly adventures of the two boobs.
Ms Bell said: “My mum had breast cancer when I was 13, and it was a massive part of mine and my loved ones’ lives. And then when I was 24, I found a lump on my right breast.
“Luckily it wasn’t cancerous, but I really reflected on the lack of information and how lucky I was to have my mum with me.
“So I decided that it’s really important for me to get this information to young people in a way that feels accessible, fun, interesting, and for everyone.”
With roughly 153 people diagnosed every day, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting anyone with breast tissue.
Now on its second tour of the UK, Identities has received glowing reviews from critics and audience members alike.
Miss Bell said: “Identities has gotten the most beautiful, glorious reception. We really wrote the show for young people, then we quickly saw that the show was for all the amazing people that have gone through breast cancer, and the people that have supported them.
“They love the show, and they feel really seen. And the great thing about the show is that breast cancer is changing every year – the medical procedures and terminology – so every year we get to develop and change the play more.”
The Identities tour, supported by Culture Warrington, Prevent Breast Cancer and Arts Council England, takes on Nottingham next week.