There was lots of scatological humour at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and, as somebody who spends her life being asked where the toilet is in my role as producer (oh the glamour…) I was interested to see the other side of the coin, or should I say, pan.
Without trivialising the subject matter of Felicity Ward’s show there is something intrinsically funny about being toilet-aware. I have brought up two kids and now have an elderly mother so the thought about where the nearest convenience is situated is never far from my mind! Yet the realities of irritable bowel syndrome brought on by extreme anxiety take on a whole new dimension in Felicity’s show.
In true Aussie style she pulls no punches and, just in case you thought that ‘toilet’ might be a euphemism for something else comical, the set leaves you in no doubt. There is a toilet pan centre stage and stacks of loo roll to remind you that this condition is very real.
Comedy and mental illness are uncomfortable bedfellows but are often inseparable. For every up there is a down and Felicity portrays her condition so movingly you almost wish that you could have IBS to share your experiences with her! Even though her lavatorial escapades are so hilarious you know that there’s been some real pain there too.
This is a brilliantly crafted show that exposes the chinks in our human armour. I laughed lots, cried a little and had to run for the loo straight afterwards…
★★★★★
Felicity Ward is at the Pleasance Courtyard until 31st August, 9.00pm. For more information click here!
Photo by Steve Ullathorne
