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★★★★★
UK-based performer, writer and cabaret artist Emily Davis is currently touring regional theatres with ‘Blodwen Rocks The Boat’: a musical comedy show about a woman in Advertising that climbs the corporate ladder and then questions the meaning of it all. Featuring original songs, intriguing characters and audience interaction, the piece follows the fictional character of Blodwen through her career journey from Wales to London and then down to Falmouth. With direction by Paulus the Cabaret Geek and accompaniment from Andy Campbell Smith, the show was at the Woodville venue in Gravesend earlier this week and I had the opportunity to share my thoughts.
About the show
Blodwen moves to London from a small place in Wales and starts working at a restaurant at The Shard. Whilst working in this role, the character meets Fenella Whittington-Chumley, a Senior Executive at an Advertising firm in the building, and their repeated encounters lead to Fenella recommending Blodwen for a job. Blodwen secures a position at the firm and from the moment that she enters the offices, her life completely changes. The character’s work experiences are shared throughout the piece and the audience learns of her encounters with various departments. Emily Davis and Andy Campbell Smith bring the characters of the Advertising firm to life through both dialogue and original songs, and it’s a vastly enjoyable 60 minutes of musical comedy.
Original music
Storytelling is at the heart of the show, with the lyrics and melodies taking audiences on a journey through Blodwen’s corporate life. The pair clearly know Blodwen and these characters inside out and the songs really reflect the personalities of the piece, from the ever-practical and stiff upper lip Fenella to the targets-focused Max. Whilst it can be easy to get swept up in the characters and lyrics, I can’t not mention the strength of Davis’s vocals. The performer has such a beautiful voice and range, providing just the right amount of light and shade as she takes audiences through this story.
Comedy elements
This show is amusing in an unforced way, with the subject matter speaking for itself. Even people who don’t typically enjoy comedies would be able to relate to the office interactions and Blodwen’s personal reflections. I particularly enjoyed the many layers of Fenella, who despite initially seeming quite hard to please, is clearly Blodwen’s champion and advocate.
Amusing, heartfelt and deeply relatable
This comedy musical has it all; from easy-watching humour to lively songs and a group of memorable characters. Emily Davis and Andy Campbell Smith have created a really enjoyable show in ‘Blodwen Rocks The Boat’. There is one final performance of the tour scheduled for Y Glowyr, Ammanford on 22nd May 2026. I look forward to hearing what comes next for this well-crafted and highly engaging piece of theatre.
*My ticket for ‘Blodwen Rocks The Boat’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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