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5 Years

In a world where it’s possible to trade time off your life to change your body into society’s definition of perfection, how much time would you spare? 5 Years is a very eye opening portrayal of how much the media industry dictates the way we should feel about our appearance. Every inch of the body is analysed and criticised. We starve and abuse ourselves with ludicrous low calorie diets and fast in the name of someone else’s opinion of beauty. What are we doing?

A real dagger in the dark for any industry that relies on female self-doubt to keep it in business.

We follow Amanda (Hayley Davis), who is convinced that her body image is responsible for her quality of life; that if she could be a size eight then she could be happy. She signs up for a new medical procedure that will enhance her body to her liking in exchange for five years of her life. While she anxiously waits for the treatment to begin she takes us through an unending list of reasons why she is willing to make the sacrifice.

Hayley Davis has the audience nodding in agreement throughout her performance. She touches on some very sensitive subjects such as body image, employment, dieting, confidence, male acceptance, and above all acceptance within ourselves. As serious and as thought provoking as the subject matter is, Davis still manages to find the funny side of the ridiculous things we are willing to do to make ourselves feel attractive. This is an admirable skill to be able to make us laugh at ourselves when focussing on a subject that usually makes us feel quite defeated.

Although the basic structure of the show is present and the concept is wonderful, the show doesn’t flow as well as it should. The use of voiceovers is very effective but needs to be a bit snappier in order to maintain the audience’s full attention. A one person show is always challenging and sadly Davis seemed to lack the confidence needed to back up her strongest points. On a subject so true and important to the lives of women we need a voice that can scream from the rooftops and not care who's watching. Davis redeems herself to an extent however through the likeability and believability of her character.

The show is a real dagger in the dark for any industry that relies on female self-doubt to keep it in business. We come to realise what we are actually doing to ourselves physically and in the long run the effect this will have on our mental health. The ending of the play is very powerful showing that it would be easy enough to stick to one method to get to perfection, but the ideal body concept is continuously changing and updating itself with the next diet or beauty tip; perfection is not sustainable. A strong reminder that these media influences may think they know about beauty but have no idea whatsoever about happiness.

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Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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Performances

Location

The Blurb

5 Years is a brand new solo show by Birmingham based writer/performer Hayley Davis. The show takes aim at the way our bodies are scrutinised and judged, ultimately asking: What is the perfect body anyway? The piece is a light-hearted look at how we are judged by the way we look and how this intersects with race and sex. www.mshayleydavis.com
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