one4review | On 04, Aug 2025

Right at the start of the show we are told that this is a show about ADHD. Shappi was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at the age of forty seven. The diagnosis made her re-think and re-visit many defining moments in her life from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Relationships and defining moments are re-assessed with a light touch and delivered with much charm and humour.

This might appear a serious topic for a comedy show and indeed the condition is explained in layman’s terms for the uninitiated. The accompanying stories are funny and beautifully demonstrate the thought process of someone with the condition.

Fortunately letters or excerpts from diaries written by Shappi at certain times in her life have been unearthed. They are very funny but Shappi and the audience are able to look at them and with the benefit of hindsight realise that, more often than not, there was an over reaction at the very least!

This is a very personal show and Shappi is comfortable to overshare with the audience on mental health, the menopause, and bulimia.

We also hear very funny stories which demonstrate the effects of ADHD and of not being able to fully read a long email! This can result in agreeing to do a panel show in Norway with a bunch of political heavyweights anxious to know Shappi’s thoughts on democracy! Oh and it’s in front of an audience of over two thousand people and live on national television!

This is a funny show on a serious topic presented with much self deprecating humour.

****
Reviewed by Margot

Pleasance Above

20.00 to 21.00

Until 10th August