Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia
Age Is a Feeling

The ephemeral beauty of a flower in bloom carries the unspoken narrative of decay and death. It is fitting then, that at the outset of Age is a Feeling, writer and performer Hayley McGee perches atop a ladder on a stage surrounded by twelve tall-stemmed plants and flowers. Each of these bears a postcard on which a different word is written. So some of the main themes, and the mechanism of storytelling, are introduced in this delicate, sad and often beautiful piece of theatre.

By turns wistful, knowing, warm, and funny, with an ultimately sombre feel

The journey from turning 25, until old-age and death is the substance of the work, and it is shaped by the words attached to the plants. At points throughout the performance audience members are invited to chose from the available words; six are chosen in total, each representing a story which will combine to shape the overall narrative of the show. It is a device which allows McGee to introduce some of the uncertainty of like into her theatrical representation of the same.

The story that is presented by this method turns out to be by turns wistful, knowing, warm, and funny, with an ultimately sombre feel. It is always expertly told by McGee who with her casual attire and bare feet offers an unaffected, lively and engaging performance. We follow a life which is sometimes pass vaguely sketched out and most often defined by relationships with others as youth turns to age and wisdom comes too late.

A quarter century feels a little young to begin ruminating on your eventual demise, but McGee’s monologue is told with a sensitivity which belies both the initial age of the narrator, and the still relatively young age of the writer and performer. However, through it’s nicely layered stories and am excellent central performance, Age is a Feeling presents some very thought-provoking, and often deeply moving, insights into what it means to live a life.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Alec Martin

The Studio

After the Silence

★★★★
The Lyceum

The Fifth Step

★★★★
Summerhall

Weather Girl

★★★★
Summerhall

Through the Mud

★★★★
Assembly George Square Gardens

Apricity

★★★

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.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

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.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Your life from the day of your 25th birthday through to your death. Seminal moments. Rites of passage. And all the things unsaid. Inspired by hospices, mystics and trips to the cemetery, Age Is a Feeling wrestles with our endless chances to change course while we're alive. From Haley McGee – 'Fearless, raw talent' (CBC) – creator of sell-out The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale. 'Brilliantly entertaining, witty and poignant' (Lyn Gardner). A covert rallying cry against cynicism and regret. A call to seize our time. Directed by Adam Brace.
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for MAMMA MIA!
MAMMA MIA!

From £15.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
The Pirates of Penzance

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live

From £48.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Matilda

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cabaret
Cabaret

From £91.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Expendable
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
Buy cheap tickets for Brace Brace
Buy cheap tickets for Circa Duck Pond
Buy cheap tickets for The Cabinet Minister
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Buy cheap tickets for MJ The Musical
Buy cheap tickets for Mozart - Her Story