Inside Sally Wainwright’s Joyous and Raucous TV Show Riot Women Celebrating Menopausal Punks
Sally Wainwright’s “Riot Women” Combines Music and Menopause in a Riveting New Drama
Exploring the Complexities of Womanhood in “Riot Women”
Renowned writer Sally Wainwright brings forth a unique narrative in her latest drama, “Riot Women,” set to premiere in 2025. This engaging series, described as a menopause-centric show, dives deep into the multifaceted experiences of aging women. Lorraine Ashbourne stars as Jess, a sharp-witted pub landlady leading an unconventional life filled with grown children, grandchildren, and a compliant boyfriend, Jerry. Despite her façade of control, Jess feels the weight of the world and decides to organize a rock band fundraiser for refugees.
The Unlikely Bandmates Unite: Characters and Dynamics
The story introduces a diverse group of women who band together for this unique cause. Joining Jess are Tamsin Greig as Holly, a retired police officer; Joanna Scanlan as Beth, a drained teacher; and Amelia Bullmore as Yvonne, an uptight midwife. Rosalie Craig plays Kitty, a charismatic shoplifter with a powerful singing voice, who adds contrast with her younger age yet shared menopausal journey.
- Jess: A lively pub landlady
- Holly: Retired police officer
- Beth: Disenchanted school teacher
- Yvonne: Midwife with a strong personality
- Kitty: Charismatic shoplifter
The Music of “Riot Women”: Punk Meets Menopause
The drama embarks on a thrilling ride as the women form the band “Riot Women.” Initially planning an Abba cover, Beth revolts, advocating for music that reflects their genuine feelings. This leads to compositions by indie-punk duo ARXX, resonating with a bold “punk meets menopause” spirit. The women, who learned their instruments from scratch, embody the gritty authenticity of the music, striking a chord both literally and figuratively.
Addressing Social and Personal Challenges
“Riot Women” candidly portrays a wide range of middle-age issues, from menopause and dementia to societal expectations and feminist struggles. It embraces the humorous yet harsh realities of life’s later stages, while facilitating a dialogue about often-ignored topics. Wainwright emphasizes this by exploring characters’ personal battles against invisibility and depression, showcasing a narrative of resilience and renewal.
A Voice for Generational Feminism
The series appeals to the feminist movement’s evolution across generations. Cast member Scanlan explores how societal narratives regarding liberation and conformity have shifted, impacting the portrayal of menopause as a “shameful” term to one of survival. This nuanced take challenges perceptions and encourages viewers to embrace the wisdom and power of aging.
Impact and Expectations of “Riot Women”
Set against the backdrop of active performances and dynamic storytelling, “Riot Women” offers more than a traditional drama. It is a rallying cry for visibility and vivacity among aging women. Through music and comradery, the band members rediscover joy and purpose, reminding audiences that passion is ageless and worth preserving.
“Riot Women” will air on BBC One at 9 p.m. on October 12. Stay tuned to Emegypt for more updates and in-depth reviews of this much-anticipated series.
