REVIEW: SELF-RAISING at SOHO THEATRE 6 – 17 FEBRUARY & National tour

‘Jenny Sealey delivers an outstanding and uplifting performance in a brilliantly conceived and inclusive show’ ★★★★



The production, aptly named "Self-raising" with a pun that sets a light-hearted tone, begins by involving the audience with bags of flour bearing different names, creating a sense of connection and anticipation. Jenny Sealey, accompanied by her skilled sign language interpreter, Jeni Draper, introduces the importance of these flour bags, creating an intriguing premise that unfolds as the show progresses.

The stage is elegantly simple, featuring three versatile mobile units that serve various purposes throughout the performance, complemented by a screen for subtitles. The set design seamlessly integrates into the scenes, enhancing the overall experience.

Jenny skillfully guides the audience through the genesis of the show, inspired by the book "Flour Babies." Her connection to the material, rooted in a forgotten part of her past, becomes a powerful narrative thread. She humorously acknowledges her decision to share family secrets on stage: “I did a show about my family secrets, instead of telling them to the people who needed to know”, turning a potentially heavy subject into an engaging and enlightening experience.

The narrative structure, anchored in the concept of "Flour Babies," is both intelligent and captivating from the outset. Jeni Draper's dynamic sign language interpretation adds another layer of engagement, contributing significantly to the heart of the performance. Throughout the unveiling of Jenny's family secrets, the show maintains a delicate balance, avoiding melodrama or self-pity.

The production effectively educates the audience on the challenges of growing up deaf and the hurdles faced when navigating societal norms. It sheds light on the desensitization within families and the exploitation faced by individuals seeking support from medical professionals. Despite delving into dark places, Jenny Sealey consistently infuses humor into the narrative.

Jenny's performance is a testament to her bravery, authenticity, and storytelling prowess. The show beautifully showcases her resilience through life-altering moments, leaving a lasting impact. While the production successfully finds humor in challenging situations, there is a desire to delve deeper into Jenny's psyche to understand the nuances of her family dynamics and complex relationship with her mother.

"Self-raising" is a triumph for Jenny Sealey and her team, highlighting her natural storytelling abilities and the courage to share personal experiences. Witnessing her tour de force and balletic skills is not only gratifying but also a celebration of inclusivity and the power of storytelling.

SELF-RAISING

written by Mike Kenny and Jenny Sealey

performed by Jenny Sealey

directed by Lee Lyford

6 – 17 FEBRUARY                                  LONDON                                   SOHO THEATRE                                          https://sohotheatre.com/

20 – 21 FEBRUARY                                SCARBOROUGH                      STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE                    https://sjt.uk.com/  

22 – 23 FEBRUARY                          LIVERPOOL                              LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN                            https://www.everymanplayhouse.com  

29 FEB – 1 MARCH                                 DERBY                                      DERBY THEATRE.                                       https://derbytheatre.co.uk/  

4 – 5 MARCH                                           NEWCASTLE                            LIVE THEATRE                                            https://www.live.org.uk  

7 – 9 MARCH                                           COLCHESTER                          MERCURY THEATRE                                  https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk   

12 – 13 MARCH                                       WARWICK                                WARWICK ARTS CENTRE                          https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk  

14 MARCH                                               NOTTINGHAM                          NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE                       https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk  

19 – 20 MARCH                                       BRISTOL                                  TOBACCO FACTORY                                   https://tobaccofactory.com/  

22 – 24 MARCH                                       LEEDS                                      LEEDS PLAYHOUSE                                    https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk  

Reviewed by Jessica Gonzalez