Review: PsyTreedelic Xperience, Rosemary Branch Theatre

I stepped into the Rosemary Branch Theatre feeling quite lethargic, for it was 9 pm on a weekday. A tree branch is suspended from the ceiling. The lights dim, and out of the corner of my eye I spot another branch poking out from the side of the stage. A hand emerges, and Haylin Cai steps out with a necklace made of wooden spoons dangling around her neck. The show that unfolds is one about trees and, yes, it is just as bizarre as its setup assumes.

PsyTreedelic Xperience is an hour full of clowning, songs, jokes, roleplay, and thought experiments. It is a show that merges “forest science with shamanic practices”, taking its audience on an absurdist, comical journey. One moment, Cai will be pulling out branches from her clothing in a somewhat erotic manner. The next she is a bird pooing out seedlings. The audience pretends to be trees. It is a fever dream full of laughs, physical comedy and silliness. You are never sure where she will take you next. There are few props and no set design, meaning she must command her audience by herself, and it is a challenge she fares well with. 

There is a deeper meaning that lies beneath the silliness, though. Whether it’s about reconnecting with nature in a bustling city, a critique of capitalism, or calling for collective action, at the heart of PsyTreedelic Xperience lies a heartwarming message. Cai makes jokes about Londoners’ fear of eye contact and British politeness, highlighting the absurdity of the city’s social graces whilst urging for community. And for an hour, she makes a community out of her audience; they interact with each other and the room feels brimming with a palpable energy. We sing and chant in unison. People who don’t know each other are talking post-show. 

One can’t help but be drawn in by Cai’s warm yet awkward energy. Her quick-witted responses to audience comments are hilarious. The show demands as much from the audience as from the performer itself, requiring heavy participation. Even if you cringe at the thought of being called upon, you can’t help but join in with giddy delight; it will certainly bring out your inner child. It is reminiscent of a children’s theatre show. It doesn’t try to be pretentious but revels in a good old bit of fun. 

PsyTreedelic Xperience is certainly a unique and original show that turns traditional theatre on its head. Cai is simply fantastic in this one-woman comedy show, commanding her audience with charm and wit. Whether you go solo or with a group of friends, you’re sure to walk out of the theatre with a grin and feeling a bit lighter than when you walked in.

Made by Haylin Cai
Co-created by Jamie C Wood and Eloïse Poulton
Directed by Eloïse Poulton

PsyTreedelic Xperience has finished its run at Rosemary Branch Theatre.