“I try to reassure myself that the extra kilo is a trapped fart I haven’t managed to part with yet, or potentially even the semen I swallowed last night.”
Comedy-drama Keep It Down is a one performer, semi-biographical show, written and performed by Emma Oldfield and directed by Kierath Jandoo. We join Daisy on her birthday as she celebrates another year gone, but her blasé and facetious remarks are covering a deep-rooted problem. Ever since she lost her mum to the big C, she’s found a way to cope. It’s not a helpful strategy but it’s the one she knows best. Daisy’s sporadic attempts to balance work, relationships and a social life are frequently overshadowed by an intoxication with food.
Keep It Down combines comedy, storytelling, and audio to explore an unspoken narrative on eating disorders and the obstacles one can face when fuelled by secrecy and shame.
The script was witty and full of heart. The often-dark humour punctuated the moments of pain and shame, leaving the audience laughing with the character as well as nodding in recognition of themselves in Daisy’s situations. Oldfield’s performance was honest and intimate. Her energy, along with her script kept the audience gripped throughout. The staging was simple but effective, Oldfield cleanly used the blackouts to switch scenes, taking us to a variety of locations without having to rely on scenery. The audio allowed for additional characters without feeling contrived or overused, moving the narrative along whilst centring Daisy’s experience.
Running at just under an hour, the succinct performance took us on a complex journey of mental health and recovery. An inspiring show that is well worth a watch.
{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}
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The infamous Sh!t Faced Showtime are back in London with a festive edition, they have taken Dickens’ classic and put a drunken spin on it. The formula is the same as other iterations of the Shi!t Faced shows, one member of the cast has been boozing, and this time it is John Milton who plays Scrooge. Before the show, half a bottle of Jim Beam, some wine, and beer have been consumed in the previous 4 hours. The rest of the cast, try to keep the show on track, also aided by James Murfitt as the compere, Charles Dickens. The … More A PISSEDMAS CAROL – REVIEW – LEICESTER SQUARE - A CHRISTMAS CAROL – REVIEW – ALEXANDRA PALACE
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