Manic Street Creature at Kiln Theatre Review
Photo by Johan Persson
Written by Eleanor V for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: This show includes sexual references, relationship breakdown, substance use, mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. There is also use of smoke, haze, flashing lights, and an extended blackout
Ria has just arrived in London, ready to turn her musical aspirations into a reality. While performing in any venue that would have her, she meets Daniel. Her interest is immediately sparked. Although a new relationship was not part of her plans, it becomes all consuming and she struggles to hold everything together. As things begin to spiral Ria is forced to confront her past and accept that not everything, or everyone, can be fixed.
Manic Street Creature is written and performed by the extremely talented and Olivier winning Maimuna Memon. It was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, winning the 2022 Mental Health Fringe Award, and in 2023 had a limited run at Southwark Playhouse. Its current residency at Kiln Theatre involves many of the same performers as the 2023 iteration, with Kirsty Patrick Ward directing and new design by Libby Watson.
I absolutely adore this show. It is witty and funny but steeped in pain and longing. Memon’s storytelling takes you on a journey, with her musicality conveying every emotion with a raw realism which will hit you hard. Both the story and the music left a lasting impression which, at times during the performance, left me sat still in my seat with a tear in my eye.
I was lucky enough to see Manic Street Creature in 2023 and was interested to see what had been updated and elevated since its last staging. Happily, much of the core story and music remains. The plot unfolds as Ria (played by Memon) is completing a recording session, playing songs inspired by this time in her life. Between each track she jumps in to give context and to tell more of the story through prose. This setting gives a very laid back and relaxed feel, which contrasts much of what Ria is conveying. It also allows the other actors/musicians on stage to interject in a realistic way. You can tell Memon is fully confident with her text and lyrics which allows her to give everything in her performance. Every character she describes feels real and fleshed out.
The biggest differences made since 2023 are the staging elements. I loved the use of a simple set of steps and exterior lights to give a sense of the outside, physically elevating Memon during some numbers, and the use of a sofa and indoor lighting to make other parts of the stage feel safe and comforting. Jessica Hung Han Yun lighting design is perfectly pitched, adding some real drama in the second half of the show.
The real strength of Manic Street Creature, and the genuine emotion within it, comes from the music and lyrics. Each song progresses the story and adds real depth of feeling. ‘On My Way’ is a perfect opener; it is a great vehicle to show the humour within the text while capturing the tone of the rest of the score. I also found ‘Insomnia’ to be particularly effective in beginning to show the mental health struggles of the characters. But the song which really struck me was ‘Set this House of Fire’ which is beautifully candid and charming.
Special note must be made of how the actors work with Memon musically throughout the show. They play very well as an ensemble. The way Harley Johnston and Sam Beveridge quietly navigate the space and play their different instruments so expertly should be commended. Rachel Barnes was equally excellent, while also adding some additional voices, which added impact.
Manic Street Creature is an honest and deeply affecting piece of theatre. Maimuna Memon’s work, both in the book and the music, is both humorous and heartbreaking. The production as a whole creates an intimate atmosphere where the emotional impact of every moment lands. Its impact will certainly linger with me for a long time.
Manic Street Creature is playing at Kiln Theatre from the 5th March to the 28th March.
★★★★★
