Under the cover of a raucous parody inspired by Alan Partridge this show delivers a heart-breaking portrayal of the effects of an abusive relationship.
Leah (played by Madeline MacMahon) gets drunk with friends after breaking up with her boyfriend, books a gig for her imaginary punk band, and is forced to go through with the show when she can’t get her deposit back.
We join her, former work colleague Ali (Peyvand Sadeghian), and school teacher friend Shonagh (Millie Faraway) as the audience to the ill-feted gig. The band, the Lynn Faces, has had just one Blue Nun fuelled rehearsal, and the drummer (an eventual, uncredited, appearance by writer Laura Horton) has yet to turn up.
The first thing to say is this is a funny show. Very funny. It starts awkwardly, riffing off the character of Lynn Benfield – Partridge’s long-suffering and occasionally unexpectedly feisty assistant. It’s a slow burn, pushing the punk vs professionalism conceit to the edge, with familiarity with Partridge’s back catalogue the only thing likely to get you through songs as unlikely as the Bond-like riffs of Sex People.
But by Snazzy Cardigans Part Two, there is something more inspired going on with music parody that sings – even if the performers (deliberately) don’t quite manage it. The contrast between MacMahon’s broken husk and Faraway’s exuberance is so sharp to be almost cruel, while Sadeghian’s constant loyalty to her friend is all too easily recognisable.
The revelations of the reality of Leah’s relationship with her ex come as a series of sucker punches, with the audience participation game of Pete or Partridge a razor-sharp reminder that comedy grotesque is all too devastating when it seeps into reality.
It’s a smart, revelatory, and powerful show.
- Lynn Faces continues at Norwich Theatre Stage Two until 1 February 2025 before touring to Exeter, Plymouth, and London.
