Rosie’s Brain – Hope Theatre, Islington

Writer: Evelyn Rose
Director: Josh Vaatstra & Lucrezia Galeone
Musical Director: Laoise Fleming

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Warm & Endearing“

3.5 / 5

Rosie always knew she was a little bit eccentric – but when her fear of dating and impulsive thoughts start becoming more prevalent she decides to seek therapy in the hope of finally getting to know herself and overcome the things she feels are holding her back.

Performed as a musical, Evelyn Rose’s insight into mental health is done with an incredible amount of warmth, and a light humour, that completely endears the audience to the character of Rosie. We’re first introduced to Rosie with a song during her college years, where her nervous thoughts about the possible repercussions of meeting a guy begin to spiral uncontrollably down a path that has her fretting about marriage and divorce before she’s even said hello. It’s a strong start, with Rose’s beautiful vocals complimenting the very funny lyrics.

We’re then slowly taken back to the beginning of Rosie’s life – her first signs of compulsions as she dunks her head repeatedly in the bath water, or her insistence of sharing her thoughts as a way of absolving them from herself. After the encouragement of her mother, she is referred to a specialist; initially diagnosed with GAD, and later, OCD. The show focuses on the therapists she interacts with, and mainly, a relationship that becomes a turning point in her life, after living for years with relationship anxiety.

The recollections into Rosie’s past are done with an approach of honesty and acceptance – never demonising herself for the way she feels or acts, instead often looking at the situations with self-confidence and understanding. Many of the interactions and memories are quite surface level, so although many of the scenes are relatable and genuine, they can lack a little bit of depth, which could help strengthen the storyline a little more than it currently stands. Rose’s light-hearted humour and likeable persona really helps the character of Rosie to come across as she deserves.

This is an enjoyable show, with the musical numbers really helping to elevate the script and add an extra layer to the production. Each song is brilliantly performed by Rose whose hypnotic vocals perfectly match the subject matter she sings about.

Runs until 8^th February 2025