In this dramatic retelling of Trish Lyons’ life, she takes you through the most turbulent moments that see her suffer from stalking and suicide. Buzzing her hair, Trish’s loss of her identity led to a near loss of her life. This is a true story of just one chapter of Trish’s life; her dramatic reenactment with minimal props is poetic and powerful.
Trish sets a scene for her show, and what forced her to end up in a psychiatric hospital. Her story begins in Toronto, where she works and lives in a restored coffin warehouse that has been turned into a studio. However, coffin warehouse spooks are the least of her worries. A stalking problem that got out of hand, mentally and physically, Trish, feeling unsafe in the city, decides to have a fresh start in London. The fresh start she was hoping for soon turns rotten, and after potential clairvoyant signs (Trish has experienced these signs throughout this period of her life), she stumbles upon a scene that leaves her with undiagnosed PTSD.
As the show goes on, these burdens become more influential in Trish’s life than she could have ever realised, and it seems that seeking help from a “Girl, Interrupted-esque” psychiatric ward only causes her fragile state to worsen.
Trish’s powerful story, which she reenacts through various sound effects and minimal props, is slightly strange and definitely not a feel-good afternoon; it requires focus and sensitivity. This show still displays a bravery that is punched towards the audience. One audience member sparked up a conversation after the show, concluding that, “She was very good, but I think I need a bottle of whisky now.”. It’s clear that Trish has suffered a lot in her life. She does a remarkable job of sharing her personal journey to recovery, and it’s truly inspiring to witness her resilience.
Buzz 15.30, Assembly Rooms, until August 24
