Sarah Cameron-West’s Karen is an electrifying explosion of female rage and comedic prowess that follows a loveable underdog who faces off with her arch nemesis in the aftermath of a breakup. With heaps of sarcastic wit, Cameron-West has proved herself to be a dynamic performer and skilled writer in an exceptional production.
An outstanding performer that has firmly made her mark at The Fringe
We meet the protagonist with a Calippo ice lolly in hand on her birthday at Alton Towers, and her boyfriend Joe is breaking up with her, triggering an avalanche of panic and anger. The source: the woman she loathes, Karen from the office, has been sleeping with Joe, and, understandably, she’s not taking it well. After discovering that Karen is in the running for the same promotion, it’s a battle to the death whilst the protagonist is simultaneously trying to recover from her broken heart.
Director Evie Ayres-Townshend has expertly shaped the show with compelling creative decisions and a strong vision. The fourth wall is skilfully broken from the start as Cameron-West speaks directly to specific audience members as if they are her scene partner, even handing them a glass of wine during a chit-chat. She has a host of hilarious theatrical devices up her sleeve, such as demonic asides that reveal her uninhibited internal thoughts during interactions with Karen before snapping back to reality. Cameron-West’s fast paced, sharp delivery is consistently impressive and effective, building a vivid picture of a loveable, messy character that is deeply relatable. Her portrayal of female competition and toxicity in this passive aggressive chess game is scintillating.
The shape of the narrative could be polished a little further, as some significant reveals and plot points later on in the show do not receive as much stage time as they deserve, and there are some moments that could be trimmed to facilitate this. Nevertheless, we feel a huge sense of satisfaction when the protagonist ultimately triumphs in a conclusion that leaves a smile firmly imprinted on your face.
Karen is an incredibly strong piece of theatre that firmly establishes Cameron-West as a true professional. An outstanding performer that has firmly made her mark at The Fringe, she is certainly one to watch.
