Writer: Harry Creffield
Director: Claire Rammelkamp
What’s funny about being barely able to keep a light hold on your own mental health? How about anxiety, depression or body image issues? A lot, it seems. Though maybe just when these topics are in the hands of Harry Creffield – the solo performer for this comedy theatre gig, under Claire Rammelkamp’s direction.
Softly spoken with a fascinating jolted rhythm, like a less weird Emo Philips, he takes us through some thoughts on his own struggles with mental health, an open and vulnerable set of revelations. These spoken sections are neat, sweet, funny links between the main meat of the show – his songs. Accompanied by just a guitar these are touching, hilarious, and often quite elegant.
Without overdoing it in terms of poetry or pretension, Creffield displays a wonderful understanding of rhyme and rhythm, backing his confident wordplay and tight writing with a genuinely good musical element. His lyrics can reach into the surreal (like his song detailing the actions of a French-speaking crab in his brain) or the strident, as in his ballad hymn praising Paddington Bear.
The comedy and lyrical smartness is carried by a lovely voice – resonant and rich, reminiscent of Morrissey or the US comedians and singer Bo Burnham.
In only an hour Creffield zips through a lot of ground though never feels rushed or burdened by the content’s weight. This feels like an attempt to meet and understand mental health difficulties without being intimidated by them, serious and effective work without being po-faced and sombre about it. Above all, it’s just truly funny stuff, delivered with charm and personality.
Runs until 1st July 2023
