DOLLY Charlotte Ashton at OMNIBUS THEATRE 20 October – 7 November 2026
‘A captivating, well-written, urgently relevant piece of work.’ ★★★★ ½
Dolly, waitress at a Tex-Mex by day and stand-up comedian by night, sees her life change overnight when raped by a stranger. Deciding to seek out the man responsible for the attack, Dolly is now faced with the criminal justice system… or rather, its absence.
Ashton’s work is clearly meticulously researched and complete. All aspects of Dolly’s life are covered; the picture of her toxic work environment where she is already experiencing sexual harassment, even from people she trusts, to her personal life at home with her boyfriend Paul and the consequence of her trauma on their relationship and sex life. As the play unfolds, we follow Dolly through multiple therapy sessions, as she wonders why she is the one being diagnosed and medicated while no one seems to be actually looking for the man who attacked her. ‘Will they un-rape me?’ she ironically thinks when her male doctor prescribes her heavy antidepressants.
DOLLY, whilst being a unique and personal story, manages to relate an accurate portrayal of what it sometimes feels to be a woman and try to fight a deeply rooted societal misogyny. When Dolly is told that her case is dropped, actual statistics appear on stage: around 3% of rape cases actually make it to trial. This is a heartbreaking moment that reminds us that this is not just a fictional story: this is the reality for so many women in the UK.
Jessica Clark’s performance is nothing less than exceptional. It is so truthful and believable that an audience would believe it’s the true story of her life. Her ability to move effortlessly between the different character she portrays – Paul, her boyfriend; Dina, her caseworker; and The Doctor, amongst others – is remarkable. It brings the perfect balance of comedic relief and dramatic tension as we follow each of the character’s journey and care for them as if they weren’t just coming out of Dolly’s mind. Anthony Biggs directing feels slick and precise, and the play never feels like it’s giving the audience a lesson.
The play really starts when Dolly finishes her ‘stand up’ set and starts relating her story directly to us. The beginning feels slightly confusing as it isn’t clear what the stand-up was a part of, but it quickly falls into place. In regards to the end, Paul’s death is slightly abrupt and can feel like a gratuitous event, purely there to shock the audience. Or is it a stance? Is Dolly giving back the violence she’s been put through for all those years? Or is it for the male audience, to let them know that whatever they’re doing to fight misogyny isn’t enough? It definitely leaves the audience with questions to think about.
This remarkable piece is a must-see, smartly written and perfectly relevant. It is gripping, devastating, full of anger, passion, comedy and wit.
PlayGC Theatre Company presents
DOLLY, written by Charlotte Ashton
OMNIBUS THEATRE / 20th October – 7th November
Featuring Jessica Clark as Dolly
Directed by Anthony Biggs
Produced by PlayGC Theatre Company
Designer – Ash Özüak
Sound designer – Roly Botha
Lighting designer – Skylar Turnbulll Hurd
Stage Manager – Fiona Cradock
Line Producer – Sarah Jane Schostack
Photographer credit: Carla Joy Evans
