Written, produced, and performed by Sarah Cameron-West, KAREN is a one-woman production about the whirlwind journey of heartbreak, and the repressed emotions and identity crisis we can feel after. The protagonist (Sarah Cameron-West) takes us on a journey from the break-up, the awkwardness of seeing her ex after, to coping with working in the same place as him and his new girlfriend, to how she copes in public with all her emotions.
Directed brilliantly by Evie Ayres-Townshend, KAREN begins in the midst of the breakup, with the protagonist sucking on a calipo ice lolly in 'Thorpe Park' on her birthday, 'speaking' to Joe, the about-to-be ex. Immediately she has the audience laughing with her exasperation, sarcasm, and subtle humorous jibes. This is the perfect way to pull us in and create the context of the rage she inhabits for the play as we watch the breakup unfold. Cameron-West from the outset creates a well-fleshed-out relatable character; many women can relate to the feminine rage and anger the protagonist omits through the turmoil of a breakup and the hatred of the 'new woman'.
The witty protagonist also breaks the fourth wall by interacting with the audience in a unique way. She talks to different people as if they're another character but without the expectation of us talking back. It adds an extra layer of humour and engages us directly in the plot, making us characters in her world, and in turn, adds even more comedic effect. Cameron-West is hilarious and she creates the perfect dose of sarcasm, eye rolling, and funny mannerisms in her character.
Both lighting designer Oliver McNally and sound designer Sarah Spencer do an incredible job with the scene changes too; the music fits well with the mood and having the flash of red light when she internally screams alongside the sudden darkness when the scene shifts, all adds dramatic effect.
KAREN is a must-see if you're looking for a relatable feminine rage-filled play that will keep you thoroughly engaged and laughing the whole way through.
Following sell-out runs across the country including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, KAREN is playing at The Other Palace until 23rd March 2025.
Review: Cara-Louise Scott-Lapish Photo: Dylan Woodley