Showing at Haldane Theatre, theSpace at Surgeon’s Hall, from 24-29 Aug, a show about mental illness with songs is what Amanda Andrews has put together for Bipolarcoaster.
The setting is a support group but she is the only one speaking in it. She explores the inadequacies of diagnosis and treatment, alongside the fact that “there is something wrong with everybody” and labels are not always helpful.
Andrews is a strong personality, and her deep dive into the self-help world in the guise of this support situation allows sensitive and difficult topics to be explored in a new way.
The songs themselves have a curious quality, not particularly given to standing up on their own, but complementing the story where little things weigh on the mind along with a denial that anything is wrong.
Kyle Lacy is composer and accompanist, supporting Andrews’ true-life musical play. When she takes aim at “the play” itself, as well as friends and family who distance themselves from her mental health crisis, the show risks a dip into self-indulgence.
Bipolarcoaster flits around from one subject to another without a total commitment to form and focus. Andrews is clearly comfortable sharing her medical history, and at one point even riffs into “Adelaide’s Lament” from Guys and Dolls.
Billed as “a show about finding freedom on the other side of uncomfortable self-awareness”, this play will resonate with those working through their own feelings and the health system.
Andrews is American, so Bipolarcoaster has some points of reference we wouldn’t find in the UK. However, it is a perfectly accessible show which is worth a look. It just needs a bit more exploration to find its feet and really do justice to the topic.
3 stars.
Bipolarcoaster is at Edinburgh Fringe from 24-29 Aug.
I reviewed from a recording supplied by Amanda.