Fluff, Alphabetti Theatre Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Teepee Productions and Joe Brown’s Fluff is a deeply moving and darkly comedic exploration of memory, identity, and the fragmented nature of human experience. With a narrative that balances humour and heartbreak, this one-woman show takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, inviting them to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the memories that shape us.
At its core, Fluff tells the story of its protagonist, Fluff, as she navigates the intricate landscape of her memories. Co-written by Tayla Kenyon and James Piercy, the play is a masterful blend of dark comedy and poignant introspection, exploring memory, identity, and the fragility of the human mind. Cleverly structured, the narrative weaves between past and present, creating a fluid and dynamic storytelling experience that keeps the audience engaged. The dialogue is sharp and witty, balancing light-hearted humour with moments of profound emotional weight. As Fluff pieces together fragments of her life, the script gradually reveals deeper themes of loss, love, and the fear of inherited illness, making it both deeply personal and universally resonant. The writing is tight, thoughtful, and emotionally rich, ensuring that Fluff is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Tayla Kenyon delivers a mesmerising performance, effortlessly balancing humour, vulnerability, and raw emotion that demands complete command of the stage. With seamless transitions between different moods and emotions, Kenyon embodies the complexities of a woman grappling with love, ambition, and the fear of inherited illness, making each moment feel deeply personal yet relatable. Her expressive delivery and precise comedic timing ensure that even the heaviest themes are approached with warmth and nuance. Kenyon’s ability to hold the audience in the palm of her hand is nothing short of remarkable.
The direction by Danäe Cambrook ensures that the pace remains dynamic, using clever staging and lighting to differentiate between the different time periods explored throughout the play. The minimalist set design allows the story to take centre stage, with carefully placed props and subtle lighting changes, (Alex Teixido Blouna), aiding the transitions between Fluff’s past and present. The use of sound, by Markos Beebe —snatches old songs and distorted echoes of conversations—adding to the play’s overall dreamlike quality, and reinforcing the themes of memory and loss.
Fluff is a beautifully crafted piece of theatre that lingers in the mind long after the final moment. With a gripping central performance, a cleverly constructed narrative, and an emotional depth that resonates, it is a show that captivates and challenges in equal measure. As a production, Fluff is a testament to the power of theatre to make us laugh, cry, and reflect on our own lives. A stunningly performed and beautifully written piece that is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
