Identities is a play about boobs. Through the point-of-view of someone’s left and right boob, Warrington woman Rae Bell tells the story of a woman’s life, with a particular focus on breast cancer.

The show is the creation of Rae and a group of women from the north west, and it is an undeniable roaring success.

Beautifully blending comedy with heart-wrenching sincerity, this play will have you laughing one moment and crying the next.

Warrington Guardian:

The play from its very first moments is deeply creative: in its use of costumes, time, and particularly in the meta references to the audience. This creates a unique experience, in which the show feels both tightly rehearsed to the second, yet also spontaneous and reactive.

The dynamic between the two characters is vital: in a show with such a small cast every character interaction is that bit more important. When there are only two it is integral.

This is one of the core strengths of the show thankfully, with the straight man funny man roles being played perfectly by Rae Bell, who acts as well as having created ‘Identities’, and the outstanding Hannah Harquart.

The two display a unique mix of tenderness and humour that evokes a sibling-like relationship and allows for the hardest moments to hit home. 

Whilst the first half of ‘Identities’ is predominantly a hilarious exploration of puberty; the second half is where the show truly shines. The pivot to focusing on breast cancer is raw and hits like a truck, with one scene in particular bringing tears across the theatre.

This is thanks in large part to the singular vision of Rae. The play was approved for council funding on their first attempt, and it is clear to see why.

The director Maya Shimmin similarly deserves huge credit. Across the writing, acting, set design, music, lighting, costumes, every aspect of the show was in sync and working together to tell a clear and thematically strong story.

Ultimately, while this story may not be focused on any specific place it still felt like a Warrington show.

Bar a couple of references no locale is mentioned much, however the influence of the loved ones of the creative team is hard felt and gives the show an emotionally unique link to Warrington.

Whilst 'Identities' will certainly continue to play well in other locations, the feeling of being in the room with the crying family members who inspired this story is a unique experience that should be undertaken if possible.

'Identities' took two years to create and seems to have been brewing since Rae was 13 years old and her mother contracted breast cancer. Well, I can tell you that this show is one worthy of the pressure that comes with that. It is funny, tender, heart-wrenching, and an absolute must-watch.

A second Warrington show takes place at the Pyramid Arts Centre tonight, tickets can be purchased online or on the door.