REVIEW: A NIGHT WITH ME, MYSELF AND BIPOLAR BRENDA at Etcetera Theatre 11 October 2023

“Where do you think is the best place to have a nervous breakdown?” ★★★½

‘A Night with Me, Myself, and Bipolar Brenda’ has embarked on a remarkable journey through various theaters, leaving its mark on audiences. Natasha Rea, a former Coronation Street actress and Bipolar UK ambassador, courageously delves into her personal experiences to shed light on the challenges faced within the UK mental health system. Her one-woman show is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed Amazon bestseller ‘Me, Myself, and Bipolar Brenda’ and it's a commendable attempt at raising awareness about bipolar disorder.

The first half of the performance serves as an introduction to the lead character's story. We witness her grappling with her own emotions, feeling abandoned by the world, and struggling to find the help she desperately needs. In her pursuit of solace, she explores avenues like Kundalini yoga, sex, and pills, but the world around her only seems to reinforce negative stereotypes associated with bipolar disorder. The narrative, mirroring the protagonist's mental state, feels somewhat chaotic. It inundates the audience with a wealth of information, perhaps too much to process effectively. One might wonder if refining the storytelling by introducing more distinct moments would make the emotional journey more engaging and coherent.

The second half of the performance emerges as the standout segment. Here, Natasha Rea's talent truly shines. She delivers a powerfully emotional and raw performance, inviting the audience to join her on what she aptly terms the "Bipolar Express". Rea's portrayal in this segment is both vulnerably strong and profoundly truthful, allowing us to experience the turmoil of living with bipolar disorder. This is where the heart of the performance lies and where it leaves a lasting impact.

‘A Night with Me, Myself, and Bipolar Brenda’ is an important production that brings much-needed attention to mental health. It's a poignant reminder that mental health issues deserve more time, attention, and resources. Unfortunately, not enough funding is dedicated to this cause, and there remains a critical need for widespread education on how to offer support to those dealing with mental health challenges.

If you're interested in learning more about Natasha Rea's powerful message and her journey with bipolar disorder, I recommend visiting her website here: https://www.meandbipolarbrenda.com/

Reviewed by Jess Gonzalez