“It’s a dazzling, messy, and ultimately unforgettable hour of theatre”
BY IONE GILDROY, IMAGE BY TOMMYGAKENWAN
Temi Wilkey’s Main Character Energy is nothing short of a five-star triumph, combining humour, vulnerability, and talent into a show that is captivating from start to finish. From the moment she steps on stage, Temi is immediately likeable, displaying a charisma that pulls the audience into her orbit. This is made even easier by the fact that Main Character Energy is performed in the round, allowing for clever staging. Her ability to balance larger-than-life stage presence with moments of deep introspection makes this performance a standout.
In Main Character Energy, Temi’s story unfolds with a mix of exuberance and poignant reflection. She dives into her lifelong dream of stardom, recounting childhood experiences and the obstacles she’s faced along the way. Whether she’s lip-syncing to Shakespearean monologues or cavorting to a soundtrack of pop hits, Temi’s talent shines brightly, making it impossible to look away. Her playful and constantly hilarious approach keeps the audience engaged, even during a climactic moment of silence that only someone with her level of charisma could pull off.
What truly elevates this show is how it touches on sensitive topics with both grace and honesty. Temi beautifully navigates these themes, exploring her own insecurities and deeper fears while maintaining the fast-paced, chaotic energy that defines the performance. The show artfully balances humour with deeper reflections on privilege, race and ego, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
With Main Character Energy, Temi Wilkey proves she’s a force to be reckoned with—a top-tier talent who can make you laugh, think, and feel in equal measure. It’s a dazzling, messy, and ultimately unforgettable hour of theatre.
Main Character Energy is at Summerhall until August 26 (not 20) at 9.40 pm.
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