Iron Fantasy Review: A Promising Quest That Never Finds Its Strength
- London Theatre Doc
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
★★
The idea behind Iron Fantasy is an intriguing one, but She Goat’s latest production at Soho Theatre struggles to transform that thoughtful premise into a compelling piece of theatre. Performers and creators Eugénie Pastor and Shamira Turner guide the audience through a surreal exploration of strength, blending medieval fantasy imagery, gym culture and autobiographical reflection through musical interludes, training montages and personal storytelling. Despite flashes of imagination and a handful of genuinely funny moments, the show never quite finds the theatrical focus needed to bring these ideas together.
The production never quite settles into a clear dramatic rhythm. Scenes arrive in quick succession but rarely build towards a clear narrative arc, leaving the audience unsure whether the piece wishes to function as personal memoir, absurdist comedy or social commentary. Rather than supporting one another, these elements often feel like competing ideas, leaving the production drifting between tones without ever fully committing to one.
The piece relies heavily on the chemistry between its two performers, yet the dynamic between them often feels uneven. Shamira Turner brings sharp comic timing and a wonderfully elastic set of facial expressions that occasionally spark genuine laughter. Eugénie Pastor, by contrast, delivers a more subdued performance that struggles to generate the emotional weight the script appears to demand, leaving several of the show’s reflective moments feeling underpowered.
Visually, however, the production does offer some inventive touches. The costume design in particular reflects the show’s central question about strength. School style PE kits are transformed into improvised armour constructed from kitchen utensils before later shifting into softer felt creations as the performers reflect on the idea that strength may ultimately come from within.
Iron Fantasy clearly emerges from a deeply personal place for its creators, and the themes it attempts to explore are thoughtful ones. Yet without a stronger narrative spine to hold its ideas together, the production struggles to translate that intention into a satisfying theatrical experience.
At seventy five minutes, the show feels noticeably longer than its running time suggests. Despite moments of humour and creativity, Iron Fantasy ultimately feels like an intriguing concept that never quite becomes a fully realised piece of theatre.
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