one4review | On 08, Aug 2026

WOW! With a live orchestra, a cast of 6 main characters and a sell-out show, the expectation before going into the homely auditorium was high, what happened next was nothing short of astonishing!

The show is about a ‘normal’ family consisting of mum, dad, son and daughter and predominately focuses on the mum, Diana (Brikaih Flore). The first part of the show sets the scene and introduces the characters. To begin with, Diana is speaking to her son Gabe before her husband Dan enters, shortly followed by her daughter Natalie and it’s not long before the first of many wonderful songs, ‘Just Another Day’, is performed. Diana is suffering from mental health issues and is taking medication to cope. Natalie struggles to deal with the lack of attention from her mum before she is unexpectedly serenaded by her classmate Henry.

Without spoiling the show, the reason for Diana’s illness is heartbreakingly revealed and the show focuses on how the family cope with the issue. You get an insight into each family member’s struggle and how all of them are so distant yet connected by the issue. Diana has to go to her doctor and alternative treatment methods are discussed to cure her illness. After an array of well written and powerful songs including, ‘I Miss The Mountains’ and ‘Come With Me’, Act One comes to an end and breaks for a 15 minute interval with the storyline poised on a knife edge.

Act Two thrusts you straight back into the family chaos. As the structure of the family begins to fall apart, the tempo builds as each family member reaches breaking point and you can see and feel the desperation. As each family member’s story concludes and interconnects with the others, the show ends with a crescendo of songs.

It’s difficult to summarise what this 2.5-hour show does as there’s so much to absorb. There are some very hard hitting yet true to life storylines that are complemented by an amazing music score. The props used add to the intensity, each cast member delivers an outstanding performance with raw emotion and professionalism that is simply sublime and, at times, breathtaking.

Flore’s portrayal of Diana was special and nothing short of jaw dropping, the audience were in awe of her performance and many were reduced to tears throughout the show due to the issues she had to face.
This is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen at the Fringe and it would not flounder on a bigger stage; they thoroughly deserved the standing ovation at the end.

5 *****
Reviewed by Steve J.
Sanctuary at Paradise in Augustines
Until 15th August
18.40 – 21.00