Hilarious menopause show Is It Me Or Is It Hot In Here? comes ‘full cycle’ at South Holland Centre, Spalding
A hilarious show about menopause has come ‘full cycle’ at a theatre where it first sold out two years ago.
Is It Me Or Is It Hot in Here? is an educational comedy about women’s health, written and performed by Zeph Churchill.
During her final performance at the South Holland Centre, Spalding on Friday (October 17), Zeph highlighted that one in seven women will get breast cancer which is treatable if caught early.
Having spread her message to more than 7,000 people, the former nurse said she has ‘done herself out of a job’ as she hangs up her huge knitted boobs at the theatre where it all began.
Zeph, who has a similarity to Victoria Wood, said: “I feel poignant about the last show really and it is very humbling.
“What a high to go out on.
“I have worked as a nurse for 35 years and in my blood is health promotion and disease prevention.”
The show explores the old narrative about menopausal women - either witches or terrible mother-in-law jokes - and that menopause will take up at least a third of a woman’s life.
Fans once again enjoyed the Golden Vulva Awards - with ‘sausage pocket’ being an audience member’s winning name for their vagina - bringing hoots of laughter.
But it is the show’s life-saving message which prompted 12 women who had seen it to ‘check their boobs,’ follow up with a health check and seek treatment for breast cancer.
As conductor for the Spalding Community Choir and Spalding Encore Orchestra, Zeph - an accomplished singer and ukulele player - is no stranger to being in front of an audience and took her show on the road playing at theatres in Lincoln, Stamford, Bourne and many others.
She said: “You laugh and learn and this was born out this week.
“After one show a woman had found an abnormal lump and was sadly diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
“If in doubt check it out is my message so it can be caught early as it is treatable.”
Zeph is an experienced nurse in women’s health having worked for the NHS for more than 30 years.
The show also educates men about prostate cancer and how to support their partners, sisters, mothers, daughters when they reach menopause.
She added: “When I set out to do it, it was because I couldn’t reach as many menopausal women as I needed to.
“I have loved every minute of it and all those who believed in me.
“If I can spread the message to one person that is my aim - and I have reached 12.”
The way Zeph performs is so natural and funny that the health message is easily translated.
With hilarious visuals, stories and statistics she demonstrates how women who feel ‘invisible’ during perimenopause and menopause can instead become ‘invincible’.
She ends on a high with an empowering message that we are indeed invincible.
It feels a real shame that Zeph is hanging up her knitted boobs as the show has been popular with fans - including myself - who would no doubt go again and again to see it.
She has a great stage presence and ability to make an audience of 350 laugh like hyenas -especially the ladies from Something Special based at Birchgrove Garden Centre who were enjoying a staff night out and had fits of hysterics.
Sally Woods, manager, said: “We wanted a night out and a giggle.
“It is the first time we have seen the show.
“It helps husbands understand more too.”
Coun Jan Whitbourn, chairman, South Holland District Council, said: "We all had such a great time on Friday evening and I am so proud of Zeph for raising awareness around the country.
“She was so funny, but got the point across for us all to take it seriously, she has so much information which many have no idea about what to do or where to get the help from.
“I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it was incredible and we all gained so much knowledge from such a phenomenal show.”
Is it really the final show of Is It Me Or Is It Hot In Here?
I personally hope the show can continue in some capacity and according to Zeph she has other things in the pipeline.
So watch this space.