Laura Kay Bailey, a Texan actress, has transformed her tumultuous experience from the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe into a compelling one-woman comedy titled 'Rowling In It,' currently showing at the King's Head in London. The show offers a candid and humorous reflection on her role in the play TERF, where she portrayed Harry Potter creator JK Rowling, a figure heavily criticised by trans activists for her views on women's sex-based rights.
From Fringe Flop to Personal Insight
TERF, an acronym for Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist, refers to individuals who identify as feminists but do not recognise transgender women as women. The play, written and directed by Joshua Kaplan, imagined former child actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson staging an intervention against what they termed Rowling's 'transphobic bullshit.' Despite generating significant media attention, TERF was widely panned as a damp squib, criticised for its wooden dialogue, stilted acting, and lack of insightful exploration of the controversial topic.
Behind the Scenes Chaos
In 'Rowling In It,' Bailey performs multiple characters from the Fringe production, detailing chaotic rehearsals, numerous rewrites, and a fraught run that saw audiences dwindle. She provides a brutally honest account of clashing egos among the creatives, including endless discussions about pronouns and debates over which toilet a trans cast member should use. Amusing WhatsApp exchanges are displayed on an onstage screen, adding a layer of modern realism to the narrative.
Bailey cleverly critiques the concept of 'intersectionality' by pointing out that everyone involved in TERF was white, highlighting the irony in their discussions. Her portrayal balances perspectives, as she 'both sides' the treatment of Rowling, ultimately coming to view the author—a domestic abuse survivor—as a strong and determined woman deserving admiration for sticking to her principles.
Personal Reflections and Artistic Growth
Weaving in anecdotes from her own life, Bailey draws parallels between Rowling's resilience and her own experiences as a stressed mother, wife, and actor striving to shine. The show delves into themes of identity and actorly ambition, offering a nuanced exploration beyond the surface-level controversy. Under Dominic Shaw's direction, the production flows smoothly, engaging audiences with its mix of humour and introspection.
'Rowling In It' runs at the King's Head until April 18, providing a unique theatrical take on a polarising cultural moment. It serves as a reminder of how art can emerge from failure, turning a problematic play into a thoughtful commentary on modern debates and personal growth.
