13 – 16 May
Rachel O’Mahony is a celebrated theatre director. She is also a learning-disabled woman who lives in a care home. The two statements may sound contradictory but it’s that very contradiction that makes this show so wild and unpredictable. And so much fun.
Rachel is fortunate in having a talented and determined younger sister. Flo O’Mahony is an actor, writer and artistic director of Zoo Co. Her vision together with the skills of both Zoo Co and Improbable, a well-established improvised theatre company, have brought this show to vibrant life. It is also a family affair, with their mother, Wendy O’Mahony, a significant member of the cast.
The idea for Perfect Show for Rachel arose over five years ago during a car journey. Rachel was playing ‘satnav’, finger pointing to direct her sister’s driving. At first their route seemed random. Gradually, Flo realised she was being taken to places of emotional significance for them both. She began to acknowledge her older sister’s unusual powers of storytelling, and the journey inspired a piece of theatre in which Rachel herself could take the reins.
After a successful run in London the joint production is now on tour. Accessibility is key, with an onstage scribe and BSL signing throughout. The company includes deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent players, but there is no loss of quality or stage presence for that. They are a versatile team, singing, dancing, playing sax, drums, guitar and flute to a high standard, with musical director Chris Ash on keyboards. It takes huge talent and discipline to respond seamlessly and effectively to unconventional direction, and reactions are quick-fire.
Rachel sits at a control panel of fifty buttons making choices from a menu of scenes that includes her favourite jokes, songs, and themes. Every night is different and it’s not clear whether her prompts are random or deliberate, though there seemed to be a quirky deep structure on press night, opening with a set of crazy improvisations based on audience suggestions and ending with one of Rachel’s favourite songs, Lou Reed’s Perfect Day.
A highlight of the evening was Rachel’s advice to a valiant audience member who volunteered himself for a date with one of the cast members. Seventeen-year-old Sam was advised to be both ‘rude’ and ‘fast’ in his rendezvous with Fleur. Following instructions to the letter, he effected a star turn of insouciant cool, while the generous professional performers looked on in wonder.
Their goodwill is infectious and so sweetly unsophisticated that you find yourself laughing at something as basic as an oversized pair of pyjamas. Perfect Show for Rachel is unlike anything you’re likely to see onstage today. It is impro cabaret taken to extremes. Older audience members may be reminded of twentieth century ‘Happenings.’ Younger ones may see the style as an extension of contemporary ‘Clowning’. Never mind definitions. Beyond anything else, this show is an expression of love.
★★★★☆. Ros Carne, 14 May 2026
