SEX, SUCCESS, AND A LITTLE TOO MUCH SELF-INDULGENCE

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon | Press Invite

Candace Bushnell’s one-woman show at the London Palladium is a rollercoaster ride through her life and career. Including being the inspiration behind the cultural phenomenon that is Sex and the City. The show promised to be an insightful exploration of her experiences. However, sadly for me, it fell short due to its self-indulgent nature and the lack of humility from Candace Bushnell.

The show weaves through real and imagined scenarios from “Sex and the City,” leaving audiences questioning what’s fact and what’s fiction. Did Candace go out with a senator? Yes. But did he ask her to pee on him? No. Did Candace have her own Mr Big? Yes. Does Candace Bushnell have a shoe obsession like Carrie Bradshaw? Yes. This is visually represented by the stage lights illuminating various pairs. Unfortunately, this motif feels tired and overused, detracting from the overall impact of the performance.

Throughout the performance, I felt the show came across as pretentious. At times, Bushnell was spoon-feeding information to the audience as if we were unable to grasp the complexities of her story. While Bushnell’s journey from aspiring writer to literary icon is undoubtedly fascinating, her lack of humility undermines the storytelling. Despite her significant achievements, there’s a sense that she’s too smug, too self-assured, leaving audiences craving a sprinkling of modesty.

Despite moments of sadness, it’s challenging to muster sympathy for her, given her air of self-importance. The second half of the show delves into Bushnell’s personal life, including her marriages and eventual return to New York City. While there are moments of poignancy, they’re overshadowed by Bushnell’s apparent need for validation, evident in her insistence on applause from the audience.

Candace Bushnell’s ‘True Tales of Sex, Success, and SEX AND THE CITY’ should be a glimpse into the life of a literary legend. The show had a lot of promise but unfortunately, it fell short due to its self-indulgent nature. I appreciate the contribution that Candace made towards the way the world looks at women. And I think with a simple change in the narrative delivery it would have been a great show.