Review: CUCKOO, Soho Theatre

Iona wants to be happy. After years of ridicule and childhood trauma she desperately seeks refuge in a more vibrant place than where she's at right now. She wants out. Her destination of choice: London - a place that's apparently the home to her estranged father. She's convinced that he'll put her up, and her and best mate Pingu will become celebrity radio DJ's overnight.

Ryan Air has booked the flights and everything seems like it's going to plan, that is until the cool kids hear about the emigration and begin to pay the pair a bit more attention. Drunk on a newfound popularity, Iona must discover what it is that's important to her life. Is it to follow the crowd, or stick out from it and face being further bullied?

Lisa Carroll's script throws up lots of surprises, which take the narrative to unexpected places. Overall it feels a tad too long, but Debbie Hannan's direction fills the stage with so much life and exuberance that it can be forgiven. Non-verbally, Elise Heaven is fantastic as Pingu, really giving themselves physically to their character. We know exactly what it is that they're saying, even though they are simply staring.

Caitriona Ennis, as the protagonist Ioana, gives a sensational performance. She enters at the start with so much energy and somehow finishes the play with even more. It's a masterclass on endurance, as well as skill. Every joke lands precisely and she effectively manages to find a balance between light and shade. We invest emotionally in her struggle, wishing her to do well whilst at the same disagreeing with some of her decisions.

This play is a raucous riot that never stops giving. The beat thuds, the lights pulsate bright neon colours, and the bodies on stage go mental. It's intoxicating to watch.

Cuckoo at the Soho Theatre until 8 December

Photo courtesy of Metal Rabbit

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