A viciously gentle show exploring obsession, psychiatry, and narrative
‘Safety’, the debut show from company Light Mends Carefully, centres a queer psychotherapist’s attempt to reconnect with a former patient after they unexpectedly cease their therapy sessions. Written and performed by Michael Reid, this show is one of a kind. Gently, almost tenderly, it guides you towards the ending you expect — and then twists it on its head in the last ten minutes.
What starts as a benevolent psychotherapist disclosing a funny, somewhat relatable story about a relationship that simply didn’t conclude becomes a dark exploration of morality. When is it inappropriate to pursue any kind of connection with a former patient? At what point does concern become obsession? Who gets to decide when something is a ‘symptom’ of a mental illness, rather than a person’s own decision?
Reid plays psychotherapist Adam with the same kindly darkness as he wrote the show with. It is a rare skill to make an audience sympathise with, and then feel disgusted by, the same character. Reid manages both as writer and actor. The audience laughed and smiled with Adam as he spun anecdotes about childhood; they winced at his memories of trauma and failed relationships of his youth. The smiles only faltered as the tale continued. Adam variously takes on the personas of another patient, his supervisor, and the patient of the hour, Bill, and Reid manages the character changes with impressive decisiveness. Audiences understand the decisions taken by Adam, and the path he takes, as results of his previous experiences. Nonetheless, the ending makes for a thrillingly uncomfortable watch.
Though the play as a whole could have benefitted slightly from moving quicker — maybe coming in at around forty-five to fifty minutes, rather than the full hour — overall it is an unmissable experience. In a society obsessed (pardon the pun) with labels and diagnoses, ‘Safety’ displays one therapist’s ability to distort the truth and weaponise the very symptoms and conditions he claims to disapprove of. ‘Safety’ is a much-watch at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, cementing itself as a small but unforgettable performance.
Show Listing: edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/safety
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Underbelly Daisy, Bristo Square
Dates: 5 — 30 August (not 6, 7, 18, 25)
Time: 11:45am (60 minutes)
Ticket prices: £12 (full price), £11 (concession)
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Content notes: Potentially distressing scenes, strong language. Suitable for ages 14+.