Review: I’m Allergic to People, Blue Elephant Theatre 

Tucked away in the backstreets of Camberwell, the unassuming Blue Elephant Theatre hosts a new dark comedy by Rebecca Douglass, titled I’m Allergic to People. The play follows the story of four young adults as they navigate trauma, but what unfolds is a narrative filled with dark twists and turns.

Olivia (Douglas) grapples with her sexual identity, Adam’s (Samuel Bell) fragile masculinity leaves him in denial of his actions, Elizabeth (Megan Lee) has issues with trust and, Jay (Viola Rizzardi Peñalosa) hoards a horrific secret. The play opens with the four characters standing in a row, alternately chanting common phrases women hear when being hit on or used to justify sexual harassment: ‘you look beautiful’, ‘are you alone?’, ‘she was asking for it’, ‘you’re a lesbian? I can change that’. Foreshadowing themes of gender roles, sexuality and harassment, the opening scene sets a sinister tone that grows throughout the production. 

Unsettling behaviours are mixed with moments of comedic relief, which are necessary to such a relevant, yet harrowing discussion around the treatment of women in both heterosexual and queer relationships, and by men in general. Bell and Peñalosa are particularly strong in their performances, portraying a toxic relationship with dramatic arguments, uncomfortable scenes, and rising tension. This is aided by Douglass’ superb writing, which constructs multifaceted characters whose motivations are confounded, culminating in shocking revelations. Loathing and sympathising with characters fluctuates and alternates as the layers of truth unfold, teasing audiences whilst urging them to reconsider how subjectivity creates narratives that can be mistold and constructed to appease one’s own perception by others. 

The first half of the show is good; however, the latter half is gripping. It would be fruitful to explore the cliffhanger and questions left unanswered by the end. The action unfolding and the plot twists revealed are refreshing in their originality; genuinely surprising, yet on reflection, the foreshadowing is evident. 

Douglass underscores how gender roles and expectations play into the treatment of women in society, showing how often violence towards them is downplayed and misperceived. She, too, confronts the audience with both subtle and overt homophobia, linking it to gendered stereotypes. The only place where the production falls short is in its staging. At times feeling clunky and disjointed, the frequent movement of the sole props (four tables and chairs) feels elongated, taking one out of the flow of the play. 

I’m Allergic to People leaves audiences self-reflecting on the ways in which the themes presented resonate with the current climate. As a woman, I felt an overwhelming sense of dread and sadness as I walked back home to the tube station as the play touches on things that align so well with real-life language and experience. With some minor rewrites and improved stage direction, this play offers a promising interrogation of topics so relevant and important to the current climate.

Written by: Rebecca Douglass
Directed by: Caterina Siano
Movement director: Kaya Blumenthal-Rothchild
Produced by: Thea Melton
Stage management by: Rosie Curwen

I’m Allergic to People plays at Blue Elephant Theatre until Saturday 22 March.

After losing core funding, Blue Elephant Theatre is at risk. You can support this independent theatre here.