One Woman Show

If you have not heard of Fleabag, you have probably heard of Killing Eve. If you have not heard of Killing Eve, you have probably heard of Crashing. If you have not heard of any of these, you are probably living under a rock. No judgement; I get it.

These three shows have one thing in common, the writing genius of Phoebe Waller-Bridge. A London native, this 34 year old is seriously changing the game. She writes, acts in, and creates the best work my screen has ever aired. Beginning in theatre, Waller-Bridge has forged a path that talent alone could carve. She transformed a 10-minute stand up, to an hour-long play (performed solo), to a twelve episode series, the most recent half of which is nominated for an outstanding and deserved 11 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Some performers need fancy costumes or elaborate set designs to embody their character; Waller-Bridge just needs an audience. Her genius manifests without a crutch to fill the stage or the screen and captivate the audience completely. I am an unabashed fan-girl of this woman.

My first exposure to her remains my favorite. Fleabag, among many things, is a raw look at struggling to deal with grief independently and, ultimately, learning to love again. Despite some serious commentary on questionable coping strategies, the show is cased in comedy as Waller-Bridge strings the audience along with her conquests in London. Her asides to the viewer often have me laughing to tears as she works in a blow to the gut while I am off my guard. She perfectly situates a heavy reveal about our newfound friend between two jokes; she knows what she needs to keep the viewer returning for more.

Her acclaimed season two might just supersede Freaks & Geeks as my top show. If you have not already seen it, delay no more! If you have, check out my review here.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is, without a doubt, up to amazing things and I cannot wait for whatever she gives us next.