REVIEW: DYSMORPHIA by Phoenix Benham at Etcetera Theatre, Camden 25 March - 6 April 2025

‘Dysmorphia is a love story, but it is also a very real account of one soldier’s journey from PTSD to recovery’ ★★★★ ½ 

A two-hour drama is unusual in a pub theatre space, one hour being the vogue. Added to this is the slightly off-putting sensationalism of the company’s synopsis of the show ‘breathtaking whirlwind of a rollercoaster love story’, ‘will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish’. It all sounds like bluster, after all it’s the audience who decide such things and not the writer. The rule is ‘show’ not ‘tell’ isn’t it?

Fortunately, in deciding to give it a chance, I was not disappointed. Part of the reason for going to see it, was the opportunity to have a second chance to see actor Henry Charnock, having seen him in an hilarious production of Nosferatu and found his performance to be larger than life and completely riveting. Once again, I was not disappointed and rather pleased to see that he can reign in his loud stage presence when needed. Also, a pleasure to see him in a serious role and enjoy his versatility.

Dysmorphia is a love story, but it is also a story about one soldier’s journey from PTSD to recovery.  In addition, there’s a kind of Bridget Jones vibe, with a beautiful character arc, played excellently by writer phoenix Benham as the put upon best friend. Her side kick, her inner voice displaying her insecurities, is played by Charnock. Joey Maragakis plays the soldier with considerable authenticity.  The flashbacks he suffers are brilliantly achieved by him, enhanced with the use of sound, gunfire and ominous music. Cameron Robinson, as the brother and Marsha Bevan, as the girlfriend make up the rest of the ensemble. It is excellent casting, each playing very distinct roles with exceptional ability. The individual characters development gives each of them some meaty lines to show off their talents. 

It’s a story which is given plenty of time to breathe, with fairly short scenes, disconcerting at first but quickly accepted as part of the form of the piece. The black box staging, a sofa and an electric piano which was rarely used but had a big payoff at the end of the show, proves adequate. Benham has a wonderful singing voice, and importantly, her song was an integral part of the show. That magic moment when she realises that she is ‘enough’. 

Despite the sensationalism of the company’s promotion, this is not a ‘sensational’ show, instead it feels like a very real account of one Officer’s struggle to overcome trauma and the effect it has on those surrounding him.  It is a very positive story showing how he grows as a person, through his coming to terms with the death of his best friend who died on the battlefield. This is certainly not to glorify war, and neither is it really a tale about war, nor is it an anti-war drama, instead it is a tale about love. It isn’t a straight line and in the process the dynamics of the group go through a number of changes.  It’s a very human story with character flaws and mistakes made. A very satisfying evening of theatre. 

BOX OFFICE 

Produced by Tatts ‘n’ Talent Theatre Company

https://tattsntalent.com/

CAST: 

Phoenix Benham, ‘Luna’, 

Joey Maragakis, ‘Theo’

Henry Charnock, ‘I.V’

Cameron Robinson, ‘Charles’, 

Marsha Bevan, ‘Siobhan’.