A feminist gig theatre show about love, loss and lubrication. Based on a true story, Sugar Coat is a hilarious and heartfelt mix of rebellious empowerment and laugh-out-loud teen angst.

Performed by an all female and non-binary band, Sugar Coat follows one woman’s coming-of-age journey, spanning across eight years of sexual highs and lows, with sprinklings of 90s nostalgia and an unashamedly queer and feminist call to arms.  

Winner of the OFFComm 2020 Award, Show of the Week (VAULT Festival 2020) and UNTAPPED (New Diorama Theatre & Underbelly) finalist, the show features original music inspired by Riot Grrrl bands, such as Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, Veruca Salt and Letters to Cleo.

From the Producers of Fringe First winning Bobby & Amy, this powerful gig theatre confronts sex and sexuality in a brutally funny and honest show about trauma and recovery. Written by singer-songwriter Lilly Pollard (BBC Music Introducing) and playwright Joel Samuels (Fever Pitch, Divas, A Wake in Progress), with direction by Celine Lowenthal (Pecs, Soho Theatre; Sex, Sex, Men, Men, Yard Theatre) and co-Musical Direction from Anya Pearson of the renowned band Dream Nails. 

Contains graphic sexual content, loud music and unapologetically bad-ass feminism.

Reviews:

“Fun and infectious… a rocking coming-of-age story of trauma and healing” ★★★★ The Guardian 

“Compelling [and] powerful… with real heart” ★★★★ The Stage

“An electric night out – it’s sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll, but it’s also so much more… It’s the kind of work that makes me excited about new British theatre” ★★★★★ Broadway World

“Expect laughter, tears, and to walk away deeply frustrated that your new favourite band doesn’t even exist – if I can’t be at their real-life gig, an encore performance of this electrifying play is a welcome alternative!” ★★★★★  All That Dazzles

“Stunningly performed by a cast of five this joyous celebration of being a woman shocks, enlightens, and is from beginning to end an evening of not quite theatre, not quite gig, but as good as it gets” ★★★★★ Reviews Gate

“The enthusiasm, raw emotion and freedom of Heron’s performance is captivating” ★★★★★ The Reviews Hub

“A powerful and important piece of pop-punk theatre… will make you laugh, cry and leave the theatre feeling empowered” ★★★★ West End Best Friend

Post Matinee Show Conversation – Tuesday 18 April
Name It, Don’t Shame It – In Conversation with Dr Miriam Grant

“You are not broken and you can get help” – Guilty Feminist.

Sugar Coat’s co-writer, Joel Samuels, is joined by Counselling Psychologist Dr Miriam Grant to openly discuss issues raised by the show, such as vaginismus, miscarriage, and sexual trauma and recovery.

Post Show Gig – Friday 21 April

Sugar Coat is widely proud to present SOFT LAD! Join us for a very special post show gig on Friday 21 April.

SOFT LAD (aka Sophie Galpin) is no stranger to the music scene, having been either touring or in the studio for most of her adult life. As a musician, she is a multi-instrumentalist for SELF ESTEEM and SOAK, and previously has worked with the likes of Jessie Ware, Charli XCX, James Vincent McMorrow and The Breeders. Now she has made her way to the front of the stage with her own heartfelt pop songs, releasing her debut EP ‘Maximum Feels’ in 2022.

“Full of relatable lyrics, shimmering melodies and soft vocals, the track is a comforting exhale providing listeners with an optimistic moment of clarity.” Get In Her Ears

“…she just so eloquently describes heartbreak through the shimmering sonic landscape that the pain transcends onto you and, before too long, you’ll be screaming your ex’s name at the top of your lungs as the track comes to a close.” A1234