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A genre-defying and visually striking experience that assaults the senses, blending theatre, clowning, and dance to deliver a compelling message: climate change is already here, and you have every right to freak out.Summary
Rating
Good
What word do you associate with climate change? Fear? Anxiety? Resilience? Hope? After watching this performance, it may very well be cake. FREAK OUT! is a heartfelt exploration of climate change inspired by towns such as Happisburgh, which has lost over 34 homes to coastal erosion within the last 20 years.
The show opens poignantly as characters share their life stories, each placing a miniature house on a cliff. After receiving offers of £12345,67 as part of a Managed Evacuation, they turn a planned party into a fundraiser for a sea wall. But very soon, despair and hope clash. As the narrative unfolds, disheartened, they begin to hide their homes as one by one they give up and leave.
The play effectively communicates its theme without succumbing to preachiness, cynicism or distasteful irony, presenting a sobering yet familiar acknowledgment that climate change is already part of our lives.
The acting is strong, capturing the play’s tone and message. It’s a messy, hectic, overwhelming experience, intentionally so. Yet, the dialogue sometimes lacks depth, a contrast to the exceptionally vibrant physical performances. From forced, pulsating club dancing to movements reminiscent of modern ballet and aquatic creatures, the physical expression mirrors both theor resilience and the chaos and stress in their lives. Particularly memorable is the climax, where Sol Woodroffe is brutally but playfully assaulted by the rest of the cast with pool noodles and balls in a chaotic dance sequence, highlighting the absurdity of trying to enjoy life in the face of environmental destruction.
What stands out with FREAK OUT! is its ability to craft striking visual and emotional moments; a scene where characters take turns speaking while another submerges their head in a bucket of water powerfully symbolizes the suffocating feeling of despair associated with ecological degradation. These scenes, while individually very impactful, could be more tightly woven into the overarching narrative to enhance the storyline’s cohesion and depth.
Audience interaction is another key component, used either before or after the heavier scenes to provide levity. Sandy, also portrayed by Woodroffe, energetically involves the audience in activities like a sandcastle building competition. Later, cake is distributed on paper plates throughout the audience while the characters continue their dialogue (Despite Kal’s comments, it could have used a bit more icing). These interactions not only break the fourth wall but also serve as a metaphor for community and collective effort in the face of climate challenges.
The cake, miniature houses, water buckets, and the sandcastle-building station—these carefully chosen props and details are crucial in bringing FREAK OUT! to life. Along with effective lighting and the cozy ambiance of an intimate venue, they foster a deeply personal connection with the audience. However, the experience tonight was somewhat marred by technical problems with one of the microphones.
The ending feels somewhat unresolved, which may be intentional, given the ongoing and unresolved nature of the climate crisis, yet it might leave some viewers seeking a more conclusive resolution to the characters’ journeys.
FREAK OUT! is a thought-provoking show that successfully uses a mix of drama, dance, and direct engagement to discuss a critical issue of our time. It uses the strengths of its diverse cast and the venue itself to deliver a unique experience. Its hopeful undertone, amidst the grim reality of climate change, invites viewers to reflect on our role and responses to an ever-changing world.
Devised, co-written, and co-directed by Coin Toss Collective (Claudia Kurucz, Lydia Lakin, Sol Woodroffe, Rosie Mullaney, Ben Notice, Weronika Dwornik, Sophia Oriogun-Williams, Alyssa Thomas)
FREAK OUT! has completed its current run at Camden People’s Theatre. It plays at Bristol’s Tobacco Factory on 14 June, then Omnibus Theatre, Clapham on 21 – 23 July. It will then move to EdFringe from 29 July.
