A warm and inventive one person show that blends comedy, music and animation to explore queer family.
Relay follows Leila Navabi’s debut show Composition, which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before transferring to Soho Theatre. Here, Navabi writes and performs a one person show that blends stand up, music and animation to explore what it means to build a queer family on your own terms. It is a simple premise on paper, but one that opens into something much more layered.
The show drives forward each event with humour, it’s punchy and personal and at times improvised. This only makes the more reflective moments stand out, as Leila is the very show itself and when the themes get more pensive so does she. There is a clear sense of control in how those shifts are handled. It never feels like it is trying too hard to land a point, which makes the emotional beats more effective when they arrive.
The performance style leans into something conversational. It feels relaxed, almost like being told a story by someone you who know at your local bar. That ease is matched by strong writing. Even moments that appear spontaneous are clearly well structured, giving the piece a steady rhythm throughout.
Structurally, the show avoids a straightforward retelling. Instead, it weaves together stand up, electro musical numbers and hand drawn animation. The use of cut out figures stands out and really gives personality and presence to all the people involved, even if in reality it’s just Leila breathing life into cardboard. They could easily feel like a novelty, yet they bring surprising depth. The people within the story feel distinct and recognisable, despite only appearing as illustrations. It is a simple idea executed with real care.
There’s variety to the music. Each number feels purposeful, you have the punchy intro, the funny catchy brunch number, and a sombre song, because sometimes despite your best efforts, life puts your wants on hold. Plus, I love punk singers.
What resonates most is the balance between humour and sincerity. It’s a personal story, told intimately by the one in the middle of it, that first hand telling of is rich and gives you so much to engage with. It all plays on the strengths of a one woman show.
Relay is an engaging and thoughtful piece of theatre that manages to feel both personal and expansive. It offers a fresh perspective on family, told with warmth and clarity, and delivered in a way that feels genuinely inviting.
This show was a one-off that ran at The Lowry, Manchester.