Writer and Performer: Rachel Stockdale
Director: Jonluke McKie
A dauntless daringly impassioned performance. Any actor can hide behind a character but being yourself on stage is the hardest thing to do. It is no mean task to put oneself on view in more ways than one and in a humorous way. Largely autobiographical, the hour charts Rachel Stockdale’s life as she bravely draws from her own true life experiences.
Fat Chance is not only a clever take on words but a powerful political show. This young, five foot two, 16 stone actor from Middlesbrough, feeling very strongly about ‘size’ discrimination in her business, writes and performs Fat Chance,aiming to draw attention to the situation. Eat your heart out Jo Brand, there’s a new girl on the block and one with a message to boot.
This almost cathartic show is about not belonging, being skint, abuse, IBS, fat phobia and feeling marginalised with a Fat Chance of being accepted.
While basically a one woman show, Stockdale playfully uses a standard lamp as a ‘stand in, no pun intended, for her partner, who she converses and physically interacts with. Her partner’s voice is on the loudspeaker, which is quite fuzzy and unfortunately hard to hear, especially having an accent. Sound wise when Stockdale’s voice drops in the quieter sober moments it is also difficult to hear, especially if sitting at the back. The numerous changes of attire are quite tiring, none of which appear to dampen the packed audience, who all manage to climb up the three flights to the Studio due to the lift being out of action before the show.
Live Theatre are hosting several Edinburgh Fringe previews. While Fat Chance was initially funded by Arts Council England, Stockdale is trying to raise the money needed to exist in Edinburgh for over three weeks during the run of the show. It plays in the JackDome at the Pleasance Theatre from 3rd to 28th August and if you are at the Fringe Festival it is well worth a visit.
Runs until 23rd July 2022, before going to Edinburgh Fringe.
The Reviews Hub Score
Pensive punchy performance
