Review: Spoons, Hen and Chickens Theatre

Many people will have experienced a drop of energy during the day, usually easily restored by caffeine, a snack or quick nap. Unfortunately, these remedies will not work for those with chronic fatigue syndrome. Spoons, written by Naomi Elster who co-produces with Jamie Garner, is a thoughtful, educational and entertaining exploration of the experiences and struggles of living with this condition.

The optimistic Tara (Kayleigh Ellen) leads a very busy life. By day she campaigns to be recognised for equal pay at work and by night she is exasperated by the range of hilariously unsuitable potential boyfriends she meets. Jacob Freda hilariously brings these misfits to life, creating a range of personalities with versatility and also portraying Tara’s friendly colleague Tom. This would tire anyone, but Tara frequently finds herself more inexplicably exhausted and seeks advice from her constant companion; her phone’s digital assistant Siri (Emma Louise-Price). Siri is full of synthetic cheeriness as she identifies Tara’s condition as chronic fatigue syndrome and explains Spoon Theory, the limited amount of energy available for everyday tasks. Tara must struggle to receive medical support to manage her condition and live her best life.

Elster’s script quickly establishes Tara as a likeable character the audience can identify with and root for, whilst also keeping her fully rounded as she makes mistakes and learns from them. It is easy to invest and empathise with the social, career and medical challenges Tara faces. Ellen charmingly conveys the range of triumphs and frustrations experienced. The exploration of the impact of chronic fatigue syndrome and use of Spoon Theory as a management tool are thoughtfully conveyed through relatable situations and the audience learns about them alongside Tara.

Director Aida Rocci keeps the quick pace of the three plot threads flowing and manages the balance of the energy between them, from rapid montages of Tara’s unsuccessful encounters with wholly unsuitable men, to the more emotive engagement with corporate and medical staff. As well as using their impressive talent switching accents, postures and mannerisms to bring to life a range of colleagues, doctors and unlikely partners, Freda and Louise-Price also have access to a good selection of jackets, ties and other props to adorn themselves with. The set has been well chosen, enabling rapid changes of scene to maintain the momentum; two chairs represent transportation, offices, homes and a range of other locations. Shelton Wong’s inventive lighting and sound designs bring these locations to life with atmospheric sounds, whilst the music matches the mood and energy of the scenes. The build up to Tara’s fainting is enhanced effectively with both light and audio fading in and out.

Many of Tara’s interactions occur through online apps, voicemails and texts, which by their nature are impersonal, so a range of creative tools is used to present these visually. Freda frames himself in an oversized mobile phone screen as he relays messages from dating websites, or races around the stage to provide emotional delivery of text messages. It is an inspired choice for Siri to be embodied as an onstage presence rather than a disembodied voice; Louise-Price fantastically portrays the artificial cheerfulness of vocals, enhanced with accompanying robotic movement. As Tara becomes increasingly isolated due to her condition she projects feelings of friendship onto Siri, which is then reciprocated through more emotive expressions and gestures.

Spoons is an educating insight into a debilitating condition, presented through experiences that are relatable and entertaining. It offers its audience a full appreciation of the everyday struggles and triumphs of the Tara’s of the world.

Written by: Naomi Elster
Directed by: Aida Rocci
Produced by: Naomi Elster and Jamie Garner
Sound and lighting designed by: Shelton Wong

Spoons has completed its run at Hen and Chickens Theatre