The F-word review: Keshia Cheesman’s and Bianca Miranda’s funny, relatable and empowering return to the stage
By Laura Beldor, October 20 2025—
As part of Downstages’ 2025-2026 season, The F-word returned to the Werklund Centre from October 8-12. The show, written, performed and produced by University of Calgary Alumni Keshia Cheesman and Bianca Miranda, revolves around the pair’s humorous and heartfelt journey towards self-acceptance.
The show was performed at Werklund Centre’s Motel Theatre, an intimate space that allowed for Cheesman and Miranda to interact with the audience throughout their performance. The show begins with speaking to an imaginary fat woman whom they project their own anxieties and wishes onto. This initial scene establishes the central topic of the show: the societal standards and institutions that convince fat people to feel shame and embarrassment for simply existing.
The main plotline of the show involves Cheesman and Miranda deciding to go on a weight-loss journey after reflecting on how fatphobia has affected the way others perceive them and how they perceive themselves. Things go awry after the involvement of an overzealous fitness trainer and a spontaneous Vegas trip. The pair’s story is both hilarious and relatable as they don’t hold back when discussing diet culture and the various factors; such as discrimination and pressure for individuals to lose weight.
Weaved in-between the main plot are various skits where Cheesman and Miranda further comment on the vilification of fatness and how society’s negative perception of fatness has impacted their lives. Through the use of fairytales and family anecdotes, these different segments highlight how fatphobia is embedded in many facets within society. Such as our culture, our communities, and our workspaces.
Some of the most unique parts of the show were Cheesman and Miranda’s more educational segments, where they discuss the science and history of diets; and the various industries that have vilified fatness for monetary gain. This part of the play emphasizes how much of our standards for beauty and our negative perceptions of fatness have been engineered through capitalism.
The real-life friendship between Cheesman and Miranda shines through every aspect of their performance. Every moment between the two, whether it’s an argument or a joke, comes off natural. Making it less of a performance at times and more like a window into the life of two real friends. The pair are unafraid to be vulnerable and expressive throughout the performance, which can most likely be attributed to how comfortable they are onstage with each other.
Like most Downstage productions, there is a post-show discussion where audience members can share their own thoughts about the performance. One aspect of the show that many appreciated was that Cheesman and Miranda did not shy away from highlighting the realities of fatphobia and diet culture, such as discrimination and low self-esteem. The audience also voiced how they saw themselves within Cheesman’s and Miranda’s characters, which is a testament to how honest and raw the duo are in deciding to tell their story.
The F-Word is a story of discovery. Cheesman’s and Miranda’s characters initially believe they will find fulfillment by conforming to society’s standards. But what they realize, despite all those who push them to change themselves, is the true happiness that comes from friendship and self-acceptance.