I’m Allergic To People, Blue Elephant Theatre Review

Written by Paris for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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I’m Allergic to People, written by Rebecca Douglass and directed by Caterina Siano, is currently playing at the Blue Elephant Theatre. The play takes on the pressing issues of consent, sexual harassment, and male anger - topics that remain vital in today’s conversations. While it starts as a fresh and promising take on these themes, it ultimately loses focus, shifting towards dramatic excess rather than fully exploring its ideas.

The story follows four young adults navigating relationships, power dynamics, and their own evolving identities. Rebecca Douglass as Olivia delivers a strong performance as a character struggling with self-expression and her sexual identity. Samuel Bell as Adam perfectly embodies fragile masculinity, portraying a neurotic and insecure man in denial about his actions. Megan Lee plays Elizabeth bringing energy and comic relief - her charm is vital in balancing the intensity of the play’s themes. Finally, Viola Rizzardi Peñalosa as Jay is particularly captivating, her secrecy and controlled presence adding weight to the play’s darker moments.

The cast does a great job portraying young adults who are still figuring themselves out while carrying the weight of their past. However, the direction feels overly rigid, making the performances seem too structured rather than natural. The actors often appear more focused on their staging than fully engaging with their characters, which makes the story feel slightly distant. This is understandable in an emerging production, but allowing for more spontaneity could have made the play feel more immediate and real.

The play’s themes are undeniably relevant. It highlights the subtle ways harassment and entitlement operate in everyday interactions and how unconfronted behaviours can escalate into serious harm or even femicide. These are important discussions, and I’m Allergic to People who initially present them with sensitivity and care. However, instead of trusting this approach, the play suddenly shifts towards a dramatic revenge plot, similar to a dark thriller. This twist feels rushed and not fully built up, making it more shocking than meaningful. The play moves too quickly toward its ending, not allowing the audience enough time to process the transformation.

One particularly confusing moment is the argument between Elizabeth and Olivia. Their confrontation feels off, and the accusations exchanged don’t fully connect with the rest of the story. It’s uncertain whether Elizabeth’s past actions justify Olivia’s anger or if this scene is meant to complicate the idea of victim and perpetrator. While exploring how different genders can be complicit in harmful behaviours is an interesting idea, the way it is handled here feels vague rather than intentional and confident.

Ultimately, I’m Allergic to People raises important questions but struggles to maintain its focus. Instead of continuing with the honesty and nuance it starts with, it takes a turn toward dramatic spectacle, losing some of its depth. However, as a piece of emerging theatre, it remains a promising and ambitious effort. Given the limitations of budget and experience, the production still delivers a compelling, if flawed, piece of theatre that is worth seeing.

For those interested in supporting new voices in theatre or engaging in discussions around consent and gendered power dynamics, I’m Allergic to People is an intriguing watch. Even though we have seen similar stories before, the importance of continuing these conversations cannot be overstated. While the play may not fully reach its potential, it contributes to an ongoing, necessary dialogue and is therefore worthy of support.

At Blue Elephant Theatre until 22 March 2025

★★★