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Pleasance Dome – JackDome
Intrusive thoughts and how to embrace them in a play that is sometimes too close for comfort. Summary
Rating
Excellent
I decided to see Choo Choo following the recommendation of a friend who briefly explained it was about OCDs. Hence, I walked into the auditorium anticipating a dark contemplative piece. Much to my surprise, I was met instead with a brightly coloured staging. A yellow and a red chair, a royal blue table, cast wearing red, pink or yellow overalls and big light cubes glowing in the background set the tone for a joyous introduction.
We are inside the happy house of friends Nye (Nye Russell Thompson) and Duncan (Duncan Hallis) who, at first glance, seem to have the perfect life. Not only do they have each other’s company but can also interact with their best friend Radio, which answers their questions and dishes out pearls of wisdom. Aesthetically, it looks like a children show from the early 90s, where block colour studios were animated by talking objects.
Nye and Duncan have fairly ordinary days. They sing a song together as soon as they get up, play games, learn new things about the world and – their favourite thing – dream of their upcoming holiday. How could this possibly be in line with the trigger warnings of strong language, references to intrusive thoughts, OCD, sex, death, contamination, violence and suicide listed on the Fringe website?
As they say, all that glitters is not gold and Nye’s concerns can no longer be ignored as thoughts of physically hurting Duncan become more frequent. BSL interpreted throughout the run and recipient of a Fringe First Award, StammerMouth’s show comes on strong when you least expect it. With such approachable visuals, we are all happily on the choo choo train, when we are encouraged to disclose our most unspeakable thoughts, like the feelings that something terrible is about to happen, the compulsions and the ensuing anguish. Have I ever thought about pushing someone off a station platform when the train is approaching? I certainly have!
If you think you or anyone close to you might need support in dealing with an OCD, you can contact:
OCD Action
0300 636 5478
www.ocdaction.org.uk
Information and support for people affected by OCD and hoarding, including online forums and local support groups.
OCD-UK
01332 588 112
www.ocduk.org
Charity run by and for people with OCD.
Written by: Nye Russell Thompson, Duncan Hallis, Nerida Bradley, Tafsila Khan
Directed by: Nerida Bradley
Produced by: StammerMouth, Sherman Theatre and The Pleasance
Choo Choo! (Or… Have You Ever Thought About ****** **** *****? (Cos I Have)) played as part of EdFringe 2023.
