★ ★ ★ ★
Sometimes you just want a good solid bit of theatre. In Breathless we meet Sophie, a Devonian devotee of fashion and aspiring writer. She invites us into her world and dubious dating history. She finds a moment of freedom by finally letting herself date women. Sophie is funny, we are rarely moments from a one-liner that hits and breaks the tension.
Soon we realise that Sophie is hiding something, well a lot of somethings. She’s a hoarder, not that she would admit that to herself. Her OCD has manifested itself as a crippling addiction. This threatens her relationships, her career and even her sanity. Madeleine MacMahon’s performance is captivating.
Laura Clare Horton’s writing sensitively portrays a much misunderstood addiction, showing an audience the human behind the tabloid headlines, it is an education wrapped in brilliant theatre. The writing is matched by Stephanie Kempson’s interesting direction, simple set and sparse lighting but a constant soundscape that perfectly added to Sophie’s personality and how her hoarding suffocated her.
With Horton’s play being long-listed for new writing awards at the fringe, this is definitely someone to keep an eye on, and definitely a must see play.
Breathless Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 2) 15:00 (1hr) Aug 3-9, 11-16, 18-29. £12.50/11
