ED2016 4/5 Reviews ED2016 Theatre Reviews

Overshadowed (Sunday’s Child)

By Sarah Richardson | Published on Friday 26 August 2016

“It’s my body I want to disappear, not my mind,” declares Imogene, the teenage protagonist of ‘Overshadowed’. But in this unflinching exploration of the suffering caused by eating disorders, both mental and physical damage are starkly apparent. Anorexia itself is personified as Caol, a demon-like creature who becomes Imogene’s closest companion. Caol’s creeping presence, combining haunting physical theatre with rhythmic lines of persuasion, provides the visual thrill needed for the audience to swallow the play’s uncomfortable subject matter. The result is an arresting production, which puts a dangerously hidden and misunderstood illness centre stage. Finding moments of humour amidst individual and family breakdown, ‘Overshadowed’ is as engaging as it is instructive, building to a powerful conclusion as its central character fades.

Assembly Roxy, until 29 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Sarah Richardson]