A Super Happy Story at The Vaults
It should be available on the NHS – it would save a fortune on Prozac prescriptions.
A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) is a sparky, sparkling comedy about depression, both thought-provoking and powerful.
A sequin jacketed Sally (Madeleine MacMahon) struts on stage in The Vaults under the rumbling trains of Waterloo Station to announce that this is ‘a completely happy show, except the bits about depression.’
And, to be brutal, there is rather a lot about depression: an absentee mother, dropping out of college, a rubbish job chugging in a onesie animal outfit for a stray dog charity, being dumped by boyfriend Darren, a suicide bid.
Madeleine MacMahon sparkles in A Super Happy Story
Anyone who has ever suffered from depression or knows someone in that same unhappy boat _ an estimated one in three of us experiences a mental health problem every year _ will find this a relevant and resonant theatrical experience.
My companion describes her rare bouts of depression as like feeling ‘trapped inside a washing machine on spin cycle. Not all is bleak in Sally’s life: optimism, friendship, humour, exercise, things that make you feel better i.e. concerts and Domino pizza.
Sally’s geeky friend (Ed Yelland) helpfully suggests job opportunities: Primark, Burger King, prostitution. He reminds her of Winnie the Pooh’s mantra: You are braver than you believe. You are stronger than you seem. You are smarter than you think.
On what Sally describes as the worst night of her life she puts her affairs in order, writes ‘sorry’ letters, takes pills and waits for oblivion in a warm bath. Then she’s struck by a powerful thought: what about all the music she’ll miss, the tracks yet unheard?
Jon Brittain, award-winning playwright, comedy writer and director, explores depression, its causes and cures without being preachy or remotely depressing.
With the help of quick costume changes Sophie Clay deftly morphs between Sally’s mum to employer and chum while Yelland is variously Dad, weird but loyal friend and boyfriend.
The cast and crew are part of Silent Uproar, a Hull-based theatre company whose mission statement is to create ‘provocative new work by telling stories that will make the world a little less shit.’
A Super Happy Story plays at The Vaults till Friday May 3 before transferring to the Brighton Fringe.
On our way out of the 65 minute performance we’re handed a brown envelope full of anti-depression tips: be active (dance around the kitchen table like no one is watching); self-kindness (read a children’s book _ they always have a happy ending); get connected (feed the ducks); where to get support (visit www.mind.org.uk).
Those who make a song and dance about depression and turn it into an exuberant, funny, insightful stage show should be applauded. And they were.
