Review of ‘Hysteria’: “Victorian sex education show gives good vibrations but no chances of getting off”

Following its original run at the Edinburgh Fringe last summer, TikTok sensation Sierra Callagham travels to the London scene as part of the Lambeth Festival, offering viewers a new perspective on human sexuality and identity across history. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if its titillating delivery is bound for the big o-vation.

Any gay man knows the ostracism society imposes on those who stand beyond the norm. Fortunately, most of us just choose not to give a f*ck — well, we do, but in the enjoyable sense of the word. What new generations might not remember (a fair reminder that my early 30s mean I’m no longer young…) is how those who, back in the 80s, followed the same path of liberation became victims of the most horrendous disease humankind has faced in modern times. And if the fear and agonizing pain the AIDS crisis brought along with it were not enough, they all became easy targets for shame, blame, and further discrimination.

Sadly, not much of that is explored in Sierra Callagham’s Hysteria, the TikTok personality’s one-woman satire covering the history of human sexuality — or so it claims in its long, thick, and appetizing title. There’s no false advertising in its premise — you will, in fact, have a decent handful of d*ck talk (probably, sufficient to make you happy), and so many c*nty affairs to make yourself even gayer. But its approach to the subject consists of barely a few strokes here and there, pumping substance but leaving us slightly unfulfilled and thirsty for something we’ve faintly tasted.

Despite what the tagline promises, this one-hour ride still doesn’t feel too deep, reducing its act to a Victorian framework with just a few vague allusions to other eras. Two characters guide us throughout this copula of naughty trivia. First, an uptight Governess instructs students about how everything that their bodies want is sinful. Later, a loosen-up dandy teaches us about the joys of hedonism and how to bond intimately with other men without being called a sodomite — no matter how much of a phallacy that may sound like.

Both concepts are strong and brim with possibilities, but unfortunately, nothing grows into full size. The main problem lies in the show’s dysfunctional erection. Structurally, it gives itself a hard time. It’s true that the intention behind the performance’s style is to give the impression of an educational presentation, but a minimum of narrative pacing and organization is still mandatory. Unfortunately, the script fails to provide much of it — coming off as a loaded bukkake of interesting but disassembled content, with too many four-wall breaks reaffirming the material’s sarcastic nature, and an inconclusive ending that reaches next to no climax.

Callaghan’s portrayals in both roles are adequate and engaging. Her comedic bone is prominent, but her kind essence sweeps away the savagery she aims for with her characters. They are simply not bitchy enough — and wistfully, neither are their jokes. There’s an intention, but no proper result. Consequently, its humour will earn a few chuckles, but viewers aren’t likely to get it up for it. And despite having some fun, chances are you won’t regard any excerpt as hilarious — let alone, hysterical.

Although the idea flaunts a juicy package of opportunities, Sierra Callagham’s tongue-in-cheek comment on carnal desire lacks the practice required to be considered an audience satisfier. It makes some compelling points, but a few others seem a bit dubious and one-sided. It brings up topics of extreme relevance in today’s world, such as the still ongoing homophobia and the even trendier transphobia, but it’s all conducted in an exceedingly rushed and sketchy way. With so much held in, the piece could benefit from additional tools to release its full potential. It has what it takes to find the right spot in the current scene. Yet, as of now, I wouldn’t welcome it with open arms — or legs.

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#Hysteria: A History of Human Sexuality with Callaghans Questions played for a two-day run at London’s Bread & Roses Theatre. Upcoming dates and venues are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara