What an absolute treat!
The talent on this stage was outrageous.
The show had its beginnings in lockdown, there was a workshop at the National Theatre Studio before a run at Edinburgh Fringe, and finally Southwark. The result of this journey is a polished piece, and a company that felt entirely at ease. As well as starring in and producing this brilliant show, Maimuna Memon wrote the book, music, and lyrics.
The players begin on stage casually tuning their instruments, and chatting to one another. The show invites us into a studio recording session where Ria (Memon) shares her story in between recording tracks for her album. The show is full of laughs and we immediately warm to Memon and her roguish charm. The songs are catchy, and Memon’s soulful soaring voice moves confidently through each one.
This style of gig theatre storytelling has definitely gained popularity in the past few years and served this story perfectly. The piece was performed in the round, with the instruments as the only set. Memon does the majority of the talking and singing as she narrates the tale, but her two fellow performers play multiple instruments, provide backing harmonies, and voice some scene stealing characters. Cellist Rachel Barnes’ turns as a perceptive psychiatrist, and the prim owner of the Clawsome Cat Cafe were entirely believable, and hilariously absurd in equal measure.
This is an earnest story of first love, but also a sensitive, and insightful examination of the impact mental health issues may have on relationships, and the often overlooked role of the carer.
Memon’s credits as an actor are already extensive (perhaps most notably a recent Olivier nomination for best supporting actor in Standing at the Sky’s Edge), and her writing and producing credits are just as notable. Hopefully after this triumph, we will see more and more of her (and her company) on our stages in years to come.