As a fan of theatre, and anything that might come under that umbrella, I do my best to see a wide range of genres and styles of performance. Despite this, nothing I’ve seen before can quite compare to Coming Clean: Life as a Naked House Cleaner.
Performed by Ethan Mechare, at a secret location in Bounds Green, the show is part of Camden People’s Theatre’s Hotbed Festival. Pitched as an interactive, concept comedy, the show certainly does not disappoint. From the moment I arrived at the discrete venue, every effort was made to help me feel welcome and at ease. Ethan and his assistant, the lovely Cath Royal, made sure to both say hello and had quickly learnt the names of all the intimate audience.
The cosy setting piqued my curiosity but very quickly lent itself to furthering the sense of comfort, both physical and mental, that supported the whole performance. Our host, Ethan, is delightfully enthusiastic and very charismatic, from his love for Oprah Winfrey to his hysterical impressions of a couple of his clients. The confident flow and conversational freedom of his delivery energised the room and his openness encouraged a similar lack of inhibition from the audience. In fact, I even wound up revealing details of an experience I had only otherwise shared with my closest friends.
The show is very, very funny, full of fantastic anecdotes, but the humour is a path into a deeply engaging discussion and one about which Ethan has clearly thought a lot. The exploration of ‘sexual desire’ as a concept and the audiences perceived ‘dos’, ‘don’ts’ and everything in between is what really makes this show stand out as an experience and Ethan’s ability to host this discussion whilst maintaining the through-line of the show is particularly impressive.
Since leaving the venue last night, the questions raised and discussions had have been on my mind, so much so that I’m very tempted to go again just to engage in the conversation again but I think, for me, that is the key point with this wonderful show; it questions why we can’t or shouldn’t be more forthcoming, more open, with what sexual desire is to us and what it is we really want and, having talked it over with a group of strangers and a very charming host, I can’t think of a valid answer.
A must-see for anyone and everyone who’s ever had a secret fantasy and is open to learning something new about the world of desire and, maybe even, themselves.
Whatever your expectations for Coming Clean are, they are probably wrong. The show is surprising and exciting from the moment you walk into the door of a ‘secret location’ (sorry, visitors are asked to not pass on the address!). Welcomed into a cosy living room with a glass of wine, the Coming Clean team manages to create an intimate atmosphere that is needed for the topics ahead.
Ethan Mechare talks about the taboo put on sexual fantasies and how it influences our self-perception and judgement of others, but without forgetting about his humour. He creates an amazing balance between treating the topic seriously and making the audience laugh out loud after every other line. His costume changes are truly witty and so is the use of props – without giving away too much!
The first oh moment after sitting down is when you are handed a card, asking whether you have ever tried one of your sexual fantasies. The cards are folded into a hat after filling them out (anonymously!) and come into use later on. While you are welcome to share your thoughts on the topic, audience participation is not required and it is entirely up to you whether you want to share. And, after all, Coming Clean is a one-man-show about the journey of becoming a naked cleaner and not a group talk session.
This is an evening you will remember for a long time.
Far more than than a humorous romp through the life of a dirty cleaner – it’s an intimate, provoking, question-raising exploration of what we really want and what stops us from asking for it.
I had a wonderful experience at the Coming Clean Show on Saturday in Bermondsey. Ethan was an entrancing storyteller that opened up about his personal experience to tell a larger narrative around the shame and judgement that comes with sexuality. It was brave, it was entertaining and it was educational. I love how much research was put into the show about larger themes of sexuality around the world. I have, and will continue to HIGHLY recommend this show to everyone in London that I know. It needs to come to the US as soon as possible!
Thoroughly entertaining and quite unexpected. My friend and I had an amazing time. Ethan is hilarious!
I laughed SO much! Sitting in the comfort of a strangers living room it was intimate and very engaging and definitely an experience not to be missed! You should totally go and see this!
Booked for 7 of us for a girls night out and we were howling with laughter. Great night out!
Funny, shocking and charming. Could not have asked for a more enjoyable and eye-opening evening. Thank you x
A great, unique theatre experience…show is amazing, my cheeks were sore from laughing and smiling so much! highly recommend to go with friends, a date or even on your own! and what a great way to experience theatre in London living rooms. Go in with an open mind and you’ll have a good time 🙂
SO much fun! It was more than comedy, more than theatre… it’s an experience! Get tickets before they sell out.
I love going to pop up events in London, there is so much talent in this city! It’s great to experience this show in the intimacy of someone’s home. Ethan was super funny and I felt like I was being invited on a journey rather than just watching a show.