Joy Unspeakable, Ordinary Glory Review
Written by Beth for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Joy Unspeakable is the debut show of the new theatre company Ordinary Glory. Created and directed by Amy Hailwood, the verbatim narrative is brilliantly woven within physical theatre and live folk / punk rock music.
The show tells the story of 4 women, each with a different eating disorder, with different complex stories and in different stages of recovery. Despite discussing sensitive topics, Joy Unspeakable is uplifting and hopeful, each vulnerable and raw moment delicately handled to create a masterpiece.
Actors Kate Benfield, Tasha Dowd, Rachel Hammond and Erin Rydal give fierce performances as vessels for the women's words to be told through.
Care and provision for audiences is wonderful. Each audience member is given a pair of headphones playing relaxing rain music to use at any point in the show if anyone needs to tap out or have some headspace, and self care packs are provided on each seat with resources and support services information. This level of care and attention to detail while discussing vital topics is refreshing and a crucial element often missing from similar shows.
Ordinary Glory say they create shows calling for social change and Joy Unspeakable certainly fits that standard. This is a must see show demanding we change the way society views eating disorders, care for those who experience them and open the discourse surrounding them in our society.
Joy Unspeakable is on an Autumn tour until 5 October, information is here.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
