Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer: Katie Arnstein
Director: Bec Martin
“Infectiously Positive“
3.5 / 5
Writer and performer Katie Arnstein received the worst news of her life when she found out her mum had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Taking time off work, she commits to being a carer – driving her mum to and from hospital appointments, while trying to instil as much positivity as possible to keep both of their spirits up.
At the hospital, she sparks up friendships with others in the waiting room – all of them going through the same heartbreak of having a loved one diagnosed, and as one touchingly points out – you can’t beat cancer, you can only hope you catch it and treat it with as much time as possible. Although at the heart, it’s a really sad story that many can relate to, there is an upside. At the beginning of the show, the audience are assured that her mum Jane has recovered, which helps the show progress with the light relief that there is a happy ending. And despite everything – Arnstein is incredibly, infectiously positive, her friendly, warm demeanour automatically engaging and bringing everyone on side immediately.
The show is mainly told in a monologue style, as Arnstein recounts each stage of the process, as well as her feelings and interactions with people during the tumultuous time of her life. Speaking directly to the audience, she jokes about the type of character her mum is, humorously pointing out observations while in the hospital waiting room, and comedically delivering a realm of cleverly written puns from her script. Her aim was to make Cancer funny – and as hard as it is, she does make this show brilliantly enjoyable with a surprising amount of laughs along the way. But, although it is funny and light-hearted, there is also an emotionally touching sensitivity that runs through the storyline. Arnstein’s wall of positivity expectedly and endearingly occasionally shows cracks as she struggles with the diagnosis. These moments are only fleeting, but they pack a punch, which sweeps simultaneously across the audience every time the atmosphere changes slightly.
During the second half of the 70-minute show, Arnstein recalls attending a marathon that a friend she’d met at the hospital was running – again, allowing her upbeat, positive energy to fill the room alongside the silly, encouraging slogans that decorate the walls, and brightly coloured marathon route that is drawn on the floor. Arnstein is a wonderful performer who balances the pace and delivery well, with a natural flair for storytelling.
Runs Until 13 April 2024
Photo Credit: Ali Wright
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