Review: A SUPER HAPPY STORY (ABOUT FEELING SUPER SAD), Tron Theatre, Glasgow

We are greeted by the unrelentingly cheery Sally (played by Madeleine MacMahon) as we enter the theatre. Kicking things off with an upbeat song, MacMahon tells us that this is a story about depression- but that the show will be super happy.

I found Sally to be a thoroughly unlikeable character which didn't really help me engage with the show. While I understand her selfishness, unkindness and general awful behaviour comes from her depression it is difficult to feel any sympathy for her. The format of the show is meant to balance the darker themes with upbeat delivery but this came across as though it was being presented to children and felt quite patronising.

The staging of the show is excellent. It's bright, glittery and emphasises the 'super happy' element of the piece. The story is divided into handy chapters, each with a theme such as when Sally first realises she had depression. Supporting cast members Sophie Clay and Ed Yelland give Great Performances as multiple characters throughout.

One line that stood out for me in particular was 'if something makes you happy, there's no need to be ashamed' which I thought was a great message to take from the show. A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) seems to be trying to achieve too many things at once and at only sixty five minutes it comes across as a little bit messy but well intentioned.

A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) is at the Tron Theatre until Saturday 27th October.