Playwright Yve Blake is challenging the stereotypes and stigma surrounding teenage female pop fans with her new comedy musical, Fangirls. Inspired by the power and passion of young fangirls, the show follows the story of 14-year-old Edna, who is obsessed with a boy band reminiscent of One Direction.
The idea for Fangirls came to Blake in 2015 when Zayn Malik left One Direction, sparking a wave of heartbreak and criticism towards teenage girls. Blake noticed the double standard in how male sports fans are celebrated while fangirls are often dismissed as “crazy” or “hysterical.”
The hit musical premiered in Australia in 2019 and has received critical acclaim for its exploration of teenage angst and empowerment. Now, Fangirls is set to make its debut at the Lyric theatre in London, where Blake hopes to unleash the same energy and excitement from previous runs.
Lead actress Jasmine Elcock, a self-proclaimed fangirl, brings her own experiences and emotions to the role of Edna. As someone who has felt the sting of being labeled “cringeworthy” for her fandom, Elcock is excited to show audiences the world through the eyes of a young girl unapologetically embracing her love for music.
For Blake, Fangirls is not just a celebration of fangirls, but a nuanced exploration of the dark side of celebrity worship and the empowerment of loving something without judgment. Through this glittery trojan horse of a musical, Blake hopes to empower teenage girls to embrace their passions and break free from societal expectations.
As the show prepares to take the stage in London, audiences can expect a wild ride of feral excitement, audience participation, and a reminder that it’s okay to be a fangirl, no matter what anyone else may say.
