Truly touching and deeply human, Casey Jay Andrews has combined her talents in design, storytelling, and performance to create this masterpiece of a show.
Having previously seen Andrews designs before in The Great Gatsby immersive, I am more than impressed how she used her skills that had previously been on a huge scale stage and adapted them to create the tiny dollhouse. Although completely different in size both these sets have the same level of detail, charisma and charm.
The audience bundles into the room and are welcomed by Andrews herself before finding themselves sitting in front of a covered-up doll’s house.
The show is based around the character Freddy and her grandfather Howard as Freddy is reaching her 33rd birthday. Freddy is feeling a shift in her life and that things may never be the same again, so comes back to the one place she feels true comfort. Her family home where she lived for many years and where only her grandfather remains.
Her grandfather has a special interest in the stars and Freddy herself was born 33 years ago during a meteor storm that only happens every 33 years. Through a series of events involving this storm we learn of the love Freddy has for the people who made her and the fond memories she has of the house and her grandparents.
This story is told by projection, lights and the design of the dollhouse. When new pieces of the dollhouse are revealed the audience is captivated and anxious to see more of it. The design is beautiful and carefully curated, showing off Andrews’ design talent. Alongside Andrews, Jack Brett, musician, and actor helps to tell the story with inspiring live music and a soothing and beautiful voice. All of this brought together is a privilege to watch and I can already tell this show is going to be huge.
The whole story is so incredibly emotional and pulls on the heartstrings. It makes the audience see the beauty in life, how vast our planet and universe is. It tells us to look for the beauty in everyday life and to look for moments of awe and joy, no matter how dark things may seem.
This piece of theatre is so extraordinary, so beautifully told and designed, a great combination of Casey Jay Andrews’ many talents. This show is clearly curated with such passion and warmth.
Oh My Heart, Oh My Home.
Summerhall – Former Womens Locker Room
13:15
Aug 10-13, 15-20, 22-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/oh-my-heart-oh-my-home
