Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Character Flaw

 
Rosa Georgiou Review by Rosa Georgiou 3 Published: 4 Aug 2024 Underbelly, Bristo Square Show Dates: 31 Jul 2024-26 Aug 2024

Alight with a wholesomely chaotic energy from the start, Philippa ‘Pip’ Dawson opens with a late dash onto the stage, as the opening lights and music fade into the background. Armed with bags overflowing with props, and a radiant stage presence, Pip asks for a redo, as she ushers us in to a frantic, fast-paced and high-spirited hour of storytelling.

Character Flaw is a vibrant show that celebrates the joys of neurodiversity, and is packed full of Dawson’s warmth and hilarity.

Laid bare, Character Flaw follows how Dawson's diagnosis with ADHD in early adulthood revealed a reason behind so many of the ridiculous, incredibly funny, but also often stressful or upsetting experiences in her life. From old school memories, where she was often told her head was in the clouds, to formative moments in her realising her sexuality, Dawson explores how her daily experiences with ADHD where often presented as faults; in her being too forgetful, or unfocussed, or lazy. These ‘character flaws’ thus litter her anecdotes, in this thought-provoking unpacking of what’s it’s like for a neurodivergent mind to function in a world so built up against it.

Dawson and director Nat Kennedy have packed this one-woman show with an impressive amount of sound and light design, with voiceovers and train tannoys bringing to life the frantic inner workings of Dawson’s rail-network of loose thoughts. Powerfully, Dawson uses her storytelling to express how hidden behind the wit-filled mishaps and blunders, many of her funny anecdotes had more negative real-life endings, causing hurt and upset to herself and those around her. Here the light and dark of her experiences with ADHD is explored with a vulnerable nuance. At times, the pacing meant that some of these more defining moments of her experience were slightly lost, and scaling back may have given these moments more weight, particularly towards the end. Ultimately though, Character Flaw is a vibrant show that celebrates the joys of neurodiversity, and is packed full of Dawson’s warmth and hilarity.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Colourful explosions pop in this hilarious exploration of ADHD and queer identity. A plethora of eye-opening topics and hysterical anecdotes leave the audience educated, moved and highly entertained. Follow Pip as she navigates the challenges and celebrates the joys of neurodiversity. Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence Winner. OffFest New Writing Finalist. ADHD Comedy Award Shortlist. 'A little gem' ***** (British Theatre). 'A show you could see again and again!' ***** (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk). 'A tightrope act between us crying with laughter to genuine heartache. A show that gives in every possible conceivable way' **** (BingeFringe.com).