An insightful two-hander about mental health and human connection
My viewing of The Psychiatrist was different from what had been planned. Julian Bird, the writer of the play and a former psychiatrist, was set to play the title role but had to miss the performance I attended due to an injury. As a result, he was replaced by producer Alistair Brown, who got through the ninety-minute play with the script in hand. Alongside Brown was Stephanie Okoye, playing the dual role of mental patient Alex and therapist Zara.
Oh my god. Genuinely, oh my god. I was admittedly nervous, especially for Brown, but The Psychiatrist was amazing! Brown did incredibly well, conveying the fervour of his character Andrew in every scene. He captured the duality in Andrew’s personality – his strong need to help the suffering young Alex and the mental blocks he struggles to overcome in his sessions with Zara. Interestingly, Brown reading from the script enhanced the quality of Andrew’s narration – it was as if he was asking us to gather round while he told us the stories that mattered to him. “The show must go on”, as they say, and, under these difficult circumstances, Alistair Brown did splendidly well. I salute him!
Stephanie Okoye blew me away with her performance. She switched between Alex’s volatility and Zara’s gentle professionalism with such ease – for a moment you’d think, with how different the two characters’ voices and demeanours, that it was two different people performing! I was even more shocked to learn, after the performance, that The Psychiatrist is Okoye’s professional stage debut. Her skill will take her far, that’s absolutely certain. Watching Okoye EXIST is an absolute joy, her acting easily the standout of this play!
Julian Bird masterfully conveys the experiences psychiatrists face, the hardships of the job that spill into their personal lives. Alex, who battles body dysmorphia disorder, a horrid family life, and bravely chooses to admit herself as an inpatient, is written very sensitively. Her problem, while hard to fathom, isn’t written lightly or dismissed as a side plot. Bird cares about his characters, cares about those struggling with their mental health. Stephanie Okoye and Alistair Brown are absolutely brilliant together, their characters true and worth rooting for.
I’m wishing Julian a speedy recovery from his operation, and he can rest safe in the knowledge that his play is in the best of hands. Kudos to all involved!