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Sluts With Consoles is a brilliant two-hander. Girly-twirly pick-me Player One and Gothy just-one-of-the-boys Player Two are locked in mortal - and emotional - combat. They represent the duality of the female gaming experience. Is it better to be feminine or feminist? Is gaming an escape from the cliques of teenage oppression, or just another form of self-deception?
That all sounds a bit heavy-handed, but it is a hilarious show. It perfectly observes modern gaming tropes and how we all evolve our gamer styles.
Throughout, it asks a very specific question; "does a single stuck pixel spoil the entire view?" That is, what are we prepared to tolerate in order to live in our fantasy world? Older brothers swiping our power-ups transmogrify into incel-gamers shouting slurs. Who cares if we're having fun, right…?
As with any powerful piece of theatre, it's unlikely to be seen by those who have the most need of its message.
Nevertheless, it is an entertaining and amusing show with a +20 battle-damage buff.
The show is touring throughout the year and it is absolutely worth seeing if you have any interest in gaming.
One thought on “Theatre Review: Sluts With Consoles”
Erik
I'm from the Netherlands and I wish I could see all of the great shows from your reviews!
Maybe next year we will come to see shows at the Edinburgh fringe. I was just at the Edmonton one and now I'd love to see more!
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