REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
THE EM SHOW
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
5th February 2026
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
THE EM SHOW
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
5th February 2026
On a cold and rainy evening in Westcliff-on-Sea, Em Stroud’s The Em Shown - Tales from a Little Laughing Lesbian brought warmth, laughter and a little bit of group therapy to the Dixon Studio last night.
From the moment she steps on stage, Em establishes an immediate rapport with her audience, opening the show singing about Losing Control until she sings herself out of her range and kind of does lose control - a perfectly clever introduction to a performance that explores vulnerability, self-awareness and the often chaotic journey towards understanding ourselves, accompanied by a little self deprecating humour.
Em’s storytelling is the driving force of the show, delivered with an engaging ease that really draws you in from the start. She recounts her experience of attending a ten-day silent retreat, sharing her instant dislike for a fellow participant she decides to name Clare, whose seemingly flawless appearance becomes a trigger for Em’s own insecurities. When silence finally lifts, the realisation that Clare is far from perfect becomes a pivotal moment, reinforcing the show’s underlying theme of self-acceptance.
The narrative moves seamlessly through different moments in Em’s life, from a difficult childhood, thoughts about having a baby to the overwhelming fear, anxiety and then realisation of how your thoughts control you, all whilst riding a motorbike. There are some fun, or perhaps cringeworthy (depending on your audience participation keenness) moments; one in particularly is an unforgettable scene where two guys are enlisted from the audience to play two gay sperms in conversation, sitting, or rather bouncing, on space hoppers — a scenario, as Em points out, we never thought we’d be watching on a rainy Thursday night in Southend.
As the show progresses, it becomes clear that The Em Show is building towards something deeper. Therapy sits at the heart of the piece, and the performance although full of laugher also feels cathartic, with Em using the stage as a space for reflection and release; sharing her journey as a way to help others who may be going along a similar road. It’s a brave and vulnerable approach, and one that encourages the audience to think as much as they laugh. It's actually no surprise to learn that Em is also a motivational speaker and has also written a personal development book, Lessons from a Clown, a number one best seller - details of which can be found on her website, emstroud.com/
Em Stroud has a lovely stage presence and a natural ability to hold attention; she is a performer you could happily listen to for far longer. The time flies by and it genuinely feels a shame when the show comes to an end.
The Em Show is funny, engaging, thoughtful and disarmingly honest — a production that lingers in the mind and fully deserves to be experienced by a much wider audience.
Review: Kim Tobin
From the moment she steps on stage, Em establishes an immediate rapport with her audience, opening the show singing about Losing Control until she sings herself out of her range and kind of does lose control - a perfectly clever introduction to a performance that explores vulnerability, self-awareness and the often chaotic journey towards understanding ourselves, accompanied by a little self deprecating humour.
Em’s storytelling is the driving force of the show, delivered with an engaging ease that really draws you in from the start. She recounts her experience of attending a ten-day silent retreat, sharing her instant dislike for a fellow participant she decides to name Clare, whose seemingly flawless appearance becomes a trigger for Em’s own insecurities. When silence finally lifts, the realisation that Clare is far from perfect becomes a pivotal moment, reinforcing the show’s underlying theme of self-acceptance.
The narrative moves seamlessly through different moments in Em’s life, from a difficult childhood, thoughts about having a baby to the overwhelming fear, anxiety and then realisation of how your thoughts control you, all whilst riding a motorbike. There are some fun, or perhaps cringeworthy (depending on your audience participation keenness) moments; one in particularly is an unforgettable scene where two guys are enlisted from the audience to play two gay sperms in conversation, sitting, or rather bouncing, on space hoppers — a scenario, as Em points out, we never thought we’d be watching on a rainy Thursday night in Southend.
As the show progresses, it becomes clear that The Em Show is building towards something deeper. Therapy sits at the heart of the piece, and the performance although full of laugher also feels cathartic, with Em using the stage as a space for reflection and release; sharing her journey as a way to help others who may be going along a similar road. It’s a brave and vulnerable approach, and one that encourages the audience to think as much as they laugh. It's actually no surprise to learn that Em is also a motivational speaker and has also written a personal development book, Lessons from a Clown, a number one best seller - details of which can be found on her website, emstroud.com/
Em Stroud has a lovely stage presence and a natural ability to hold attention; she is a performer you could happily listen to for far longer. The time flies by and it genuinely feels a shame when the show comes to an end.
The Em Show is funny, engaging, thoughtful and disarmingly honest — a production that lingers in the mind and fully deserves to be experienced by a much wider audience.
Review: Kim Tobin
Step out of your boring night in and into a night of unstoppable laughter!
The Em Show is an electrifying one woman show packed with stand-up, improv, and clowning, all delivered through Em’s signature energy and joy. From therapy to parenting, marriage to motorbikes—no topic is off-limits in this hilarious journey of self-discovery.
Uplifting, bold, and wildly funny, this is a show for everyone (yes, even non-lesbians!). So, are you ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even see yourself in a whole new way?
Age restriction: 15+
https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/comedy/the-em-show-tales-from-a-little-laughing-lesbian-tickets
The Em Show is an electrifying one woman show packed with stand-up, improv, and clowning, all delivered through Em’s signature energy and joy. From therapy to parenting, marriage to motorbikes—no topic is off-limits in this hilarious journey of self-discovery.
Uplifting, bold, and wildly funny, this is a show for everyone (yes, even non-lesbians!). So, are you ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even see yourself in a whole new way?
Age restriction: 15+
https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/comedy/the-em-show-tales-from-a-little-laughing-lesbian-tickets