Benji Waterstones’ show is running late. Tech problems, he tells us, apologising for the 15-minute delay, when we eventually do get going.
“But this won’t be the first time you’ve had to wait to see an NHS professional,” he points out.
By day Waterstones is a junior doctor, working as an NHS psychiatrist. And it is his experiences in that capacity helping – if he can – those suffering from mental health problems is at the heart of this clever, revealing and funny show.
To section or not to section is basically the question he finds himself asking himself every day in the psych ward.
Does that sound fun? Or funny for that matter? Turns out it is. Waterstones manages to walk a fine line in finding the humour in the stories of the people he meets – the man who thinks he is a werewolf; another who may be a threat to his aged mum – whilst never letting lose sight of their humanity.
And as the title suggests, professionals working in the field of mental health also have to worry about their own and in the space of this hour Waterstones faces up to his own battles with “dark thoughts” too.
The result is a cleverly constructed show which encourages you to think about the challenges of mental health care in an austerity climate whilst also making you laugh.
Waterstones is a quiet, soft-spoken stage presence. He does not give a “big” performance here by any means. But it feels appropriate. Sometimes you don’t need to shout to make yourself heard.
Benji Waterstones: You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here, 16:40
Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Below), until August 28 (except August 12 & 21)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/benji-waterstones-you-don-t-have-to-be-mad-to-work-here
