REVIEW: POST TRAUMATIC SLAY DISORDER at Seven Dials Playhouse 12 June - 1st July

‘fast paced, honest and gritty’ ★★★★

This was a fast paced, honest and gritty view into the mind of someone suffering from an eating disorder. Lois-Amber’s true depiction of a twenty something tormented by hypervigilance and obsessive thinking got into its stride, after a slow first scene. This was a candid insight into how social media can dominate a person’s communication with the world and colour their view of themselves within that world. Lois-Amber demonstrates the isolation that can be felt when suffering from an eating disorder with skill and authenticity.

The insidious nature of PTSD was beautifully demonstrated through great text and well-choreographed movement that added depth to the story. The genuine and bold demonstration of the constant barrage of male harassment at work, on the street and everywhere kit went was arresting and a tribute to Lois-Amber’s effective writing. Lois-Amber has great comic timing which enabled us to join her on this sometimes, harrowing and often sad journey that involved sexual assault and how it can lead a young woman to disown her body and use therapy to reclaim it. The sexual assault was handled with care but was hard-hitting. The sad truths of the harassment a women have to deal with on a daily basis in our society, was performed by Lois-Amber with truth. A pity that the ending came abruptly and left parts of the story disappointingly untold.

POST TRAUMATIC SLAY DISORDER at Seven Dials Playhouse 12 June - 1st July

Bookings: https://sevendialsplayhouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173642930/events/428588824

Written and performed by Lois-Amber Toole

Directed by Florence Winter Hill

Produced by Rory Hughes for Oakland Road

And Pretty Loud Productions

Lighting Design by Marie Coleman

Sound Design by Jane Lo

Reviewed by Paula David