Globus Theatre presents Leave It to Cleavage: An interactive comedy with a 1950’s twist

What happens when two picture-perfect 1950s housewives discover the modern world? Audiences are about to find out in Leave It to Cleavage, an interactive comedy that is taking the Globus Theatre stage for three nights only – July 30- August 1^. 

Combining structured improvisation, audience participation, and razor-sharp scripted satire, Leave it to Cleavage celebrates the expectations placed on women, both then and now, with a comedic twist.

Created and performed by acclaimed improvisers Diana Frances and Karen Parker, Leave It to Cleavage invites audiences to a retro cocktail party where conversations and unexpected interactions help shape the evening’s comedy. If those names sound familiar, audiences will recognize these fabulously funny comedians from the ever-popular Girls Nite Out comedy show, which sold out as Globus Theatre’s opening show earlier this season. 

The inspiration for the show came from an unlikely source: a 1955 magazine article titled The Good Wife’s Guide, which outlined how women should behave to please their husbands.

“When I stumbled across The Good Wife’s Guide, I instantly knew it was ripe for satire,” said co-creator Diana Frances in a press release. “These ‘helpful housewife tips’ needed a good roasting—preferably at 350 degrees for 90 minutes.”

While the source material may be more than 70 years old, Frances believes its themes remain remarkably relevant.

“The satire of 1950s housewives who just don’t understand these modern times feels even more relevant today,” she says. “With the ongoing conversations surrounding women’s rights, gender expectations, and even criticism of child-free women, it felt like the perfect time to hold up a mirror and invite audiences to laugh at just how absurd these expectations can be.”

Unlike a traditional play or a fully improvised performance, Leave It to Cleavage occupies a unique space between the two. A structured narrative provides the framework while audience stories and interactions shape each performance into something entirely original.

“We have a foundation to build on,” explained Frances. “The audience’s suggestions, stories, and interactions become the wallpaper, curtains, and throw cushions of the house we’re building together.”

Throughout the evening, the performers enthusiastically attempt to convince audiences that “the good old days weren’t so bad.” But after meeting women with careers, families, and modern lifestyles—and hearing their stories—the housewives slowly begin to question everything they thought they knew.

One of Frances’ favourite moments comes during the show’s “Welcome Wagon” segment. “We wander into the audience with cookies and microphones to mix and mingle,” she said. “What the audience doesn’t know is that those conversations become the inspiration for improv scenes later in the show. It’s always a surprise—for them and for us.”

Although audience participation is woven throughout the performance, Frances emphasizes that guests are never pressured to be part of the show. “We’re really good at reading the room,” she says. “Some people want to jump right in, while others are happy to watch. Everyone gets to enjoy the experience in whatever way they’re comfortable.”

Beyond the laughter, Leave It to Cleavage is a deeply personal project for its creators. “This is an incredibly important show to both Karen and me,” says Frances. “We’re holding a mirror up to the ridiculousness of female expectation while making audiences laugh, but we’re also two dear friends who get to travel together and create our own work. At a time when people are rediscovering the joy of experiencing live performance together, there’s something incredibly meaningful about sharing laughter in the same room.”

Frances hopes the production resonates because it speaks to a moment of cultural change.

“I truly believe we’re in the last-gasp era of the patriarchy,” she says. “Being two strong female improvisers working seamlessly together is our way of throwing a couple of punches back at those old power structures.”

Filled with quick wit, clever audience interaction, nostalgic charm, and fearless comedy, Leave It to Cleavage promises an unforgettable evening that proves the best way to challenge outdated ideas is with a room full of laughter.

Leave It to Cleavage plays at Globus Theatre for a limited engagement. Tickets are available through the Globus Theatre Box Office.