one4review | On 18, Aug 2024

AJ is a university student studying English literature who leads a normal life. She adores her Uni friend Bobby and has a fear of Karaoke, but like some people one event can change everything.

To begin with AJ recalls a birthday trip to Thorpe Park, full of excitement as it’s her birthday treat but on arrival she discovers she’s too small to ride the rides. After the bitter disappointment. She is promised a trip to the zoo but her gran dies and the trip never happens. This prelude of disappointment sets you up for the main story of the show.

Despite AJ’s English Literature teacher stating she was average, she shows off her theatrical skills with quotes from Hamlet and her own version on Macbeth. She then discusses her fear of driving and her craving for cucumber before being caught by dad raiding the fridge.

AJ,s world is turned upside down when her dad is hit by a car causing him brain damage. The emotional performance from here is clear to see. AJ,s studying begins to suffer as she devotes her time to her dad, helping around the home and studying from home, AJ becomes isolated from the outside world. Trying to adapt to her dad’s memory loss is painful, especially, as the old dad occasionally but momentarily breaks through. After words of advice from mum, she returns to Uni, reunites with her friend Bobby and finishes up with attending a Karaoke party.

Tanieth Kerr is a brave and talented performer who delivers the performance straight from her heart. The show is a mixture of talent and emotion with some well known soundtracks along the way.

****

Reviewed by Steve
theSpace @ Niddry Street – Studio
12.10 (50 mins)
Until 20th August