“combines storytelling, comedy, and songs in an informal environment”
How are you going to die? None of us really know how or when we are going to kick the bucket and the shock of a death feels like falling over in the dark. Perhaps that’s why we don’t like to talk about death and dying in our everyday lives. If you are not a fan of the subject or think it is morbid to talk about dying, this is not the show for you.
Brought to the Soho Theatre by Unlimited Theatre and developed in collaboration with Dr Andy Lockey, Am I Dead Yet? combines storytelling, comedy, and songs in an informal environment to talk about what it means to be dead. Lots is packed into this tight 55-minute show including some shocking percentages as well as a quick lesson on CPR. At times the show feels like a cross between a play and a TED Talk.
The staging is uncomplicated with only a few stools, piano, guitar and a couple of mics echoing the laid-back cabaret-style nature of the show. Effective lighting (Katherine Williams) and subtle sound (Pete Malkin) transform the space just enough to complement the story without being distracting.
Jon Spooner and Chris Thorpe have a great chemistry on stage, changing the pace and atmosphere of the show seamlessly as they bounce off each other. The rate of suicide gets a noteworthy and necessary mention between the two men (and stats show us this is a conversation that needs to be had). The storytelling is compelling and while the songs feel a little out of place, the final number is heartfelt and comical despite the subject matter.
The show transgresses into the philosophical as we think about the future. Will we ever reach a point where death doesn’t faze us? Will we simply get upgraded like a phone, switching failing organs for a new model?
However we end up going, – whether in a tragic accident; happy in bed; or choking on a Freddo – perhaps it’s time we talked about death more. Am I Dead Yet? is a great catalyst for those conversations.
How (Not) To Live is Suburbia is a frank and poignant portrayal of loneliness explored through a hilarious yet heart-breaking autobiographical narrative. Annie Siddons’ performance is raw and relatable telling her own story of moving to the outskirts of London and becoming isolated and alone. The performance consists of Annie showing the audience her journey intercut with video footage and monologues by Nicki Hobday who also plays Anne.
Annie ended up moving to the suburb she continuously refers to as “Twickenham: Home Of Rugby” or THOR, for her husband’s job. The play then follows the breakdown of her marriage so she is left alone with her two children. Her children are sweetly portrayed by olive trees throughout the performance.
The play opens with Annie talking about London, a heartfelt and poetic monologue explaining why she loves the city and how much of a huge part of her life it is followed by video montages of urban London. Annie’s loneliness manifests itself as a human sized walrus who follows her around everywhere resulting in shame and humiliation. She tried to rectify her isolation by trying to immerse herself in a community which results in hilarious but unsuccessful results. She begins trying to live her live by a manifesto allowing her to be a good mother, connect with people and to maintain her artistic integrity.
The set was simple with the main focus being on the video content throughout the performance. The video content directed by Richard DeDomenici was witty and moving and provided context to Annie’s story.
This production was relevant, thought-provoking and honest. It explored the different aspects and experiences of loneliness and the different ways it can manifest itself in society. The performance was sad but had a conclusion of resilience and hope. How (Not) To Live In Suburbia was a compassionate, witty performance demonstrating the human need for love and the ability to overcome obstacles and social stigmas.
