Shey Hargreaves - Sick
.... topics such as NHS cuts, Brexit, treatment of the LGBTQ community just to name a few things covered
I enjoyed hearing Shey tell a tale at True Stories Livea few weeks ago so I was eagerly anticipating her performance of Sick as I knew her story telling style was on point, her sense of humour wicked and her ability to captivate an audience, well oiled. However, last night’s performance out ran all my expectations, it delivered so much more than just an interesting life story.
The growing pressure on our NHS is no secret to us, however I found it really refreshing to hear true facts and accurate figures interwoven with the real-life anecdotes relaying the impact of cuts and bureaucracy on the patients, staff and loved ones from both sides. Often what we read in the papers or hear on the news scare and mislead us with false information. As jarring as it was to hear Shey’s account of the rows of patients lined up in a corridor of the EAU, bleeding, throwing ups, passing out whilst waiting hours for a bed, I felt pleased to be privy to this grim reality. I think the entire audience appreciated Shey’s frank and brutal honesty about what went on in her work place.
There were so many layers to the show which made it all the more enjoyable and relatable for the audience. In addition to the day to day madness of the ward, we also heard of how the job impacted Shey’s personal life. She moved from her office setting over to an arm chair to distinguish between the two areas of her life, a simple but incredibly effective addition to the performance. We learned of her relationship coming to an end, a new love blossoming, the navigation of coming out as gay at work, as well as bringing a new life into this crazy world! All of this happened to our beloved story teller in such a short time frame- it really was an astonishing, inspirational story to behold.
The content of the show naturally lent itself to being somewhat politically charged; topics such as NHS cuts, Brexit, treatment of the LGBTQ community just to name a few things that she discussed. However, at no point did I feel that the performance was one-sided ‘ranty’ in any way (quite an achievement in itself I would argue- I imagine many of us, given a theatrical platform, would find it difficult to avoid pushing and shoving our viewpoint into others) she simply told it like it was, without holding back.
As shocking and bleak as some of the content was, there was an equal measure of hilarity, high energy, silliness and joyful feeling about the show. This girl is a comedy genius and the audiences were relishing in the laugh out loud moments throughout as well as feeling the sombre chill of goose bumps upon hearing of the sorrowful elements to the story.
I can do nothing but praise and commend Shey for everything Sick delivers- I wish it could be performed for those in power and for those who remain ignorant to the real-life struggles of everyday people within our community. An absolute joy to watch and I recommend it whole-heartedly to all.
Visit her website https://www.sheyhargreaves.com/sickfor upcoming tour dates, podcasts and the two-part recording of last night at The Art Centre.
10/10
