one4review | On 21, Aug 2023

Comedy show, part of the Free Fringe, showcasing a selection of comedians with diagnosed mental health conditions. They bravely discuss their condition, how it affects them daily but making it fun to listen to.

The compère, Moni Zhang, was fun and energetic throughout. She advised she had recently changed the name of the show due to comments, that the show made people feel bad when they came out. That was certainly not my experience.

The venue provided a very hot, snug atmosphere where there is no where to hide from being involved in the show. I found it inspiring to those suffering from anxiety performing as this would indeed be a triggering experience. However, each performer delivered their material well.

The comics covered a wide range of mental health conditions – anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar 1 and depression. They spoke about medication and treatments, putting funny spins on their experiences. Suicidal thoughts covered very delicately through certain material and all from personal histories.

Not once was it felt that the show was being disrespectful to these conditions. It was peoples own experiences and coping strategies that made the show stay away from being viewed as offensive. The show was full and people turned away at the door. So get in early if you want to see people with mental health diagnoses turn their experiences into comedic material.

3.5***
Reviewed by Tracey
Laughing Horse, Counting House – The Loft
13.45 (1hr)
Until 27 Aug