Welcome to the world of anxiety! Maria Williams will be your guide this evening. This makes sense because it’s her anxiety you’ll be visiting. She knows the territory well – where to find the curious spectacles, the amusing encounters, the touching moments – so you can expect to be well entertained.

What’s that? You’re feeling a little nervous? Plenty of us who like to keep our own anxieties buttoned up and out of sight feel the same. But let me reassure you, you’ll be fine. She’s the one who’s taking all the risk.

Which is to say that there’s an edgy fascination about Anxiety… The Musical!? as a performance; maybe a bit like watching a tightrope walker perform without a safety net. Because, for the duration of the show at least, buttoning up her private life is not creator Maria Williams’ way. She’s more into taking off the lid and emptying the details out over the stage for all to see. Embarrassing? Painful? Vulnerable? Great, here it comes, the more the merrier.

In plain language, Anxiety… The Musical!? is a theatrical comedy show based on Maria Williams’ own experience of living with anxiety (she describes herself as living with mental health challenges). Not wanting to give away too many details, but school days, career choices, counselling and measuring up against old rival Taylor Swift all get an airing. Puberty gets a look in, but all too briefly – “too briefly” because when it does crop up, it’s shriekingly funny.

Regrettably, Williams isn’t up to performing some of the more energetic passages of the show (dancing, costume changes) due to personal health challenges. The good news is that she’s brought in the highly talented Jake Brown to present those parts. He does this with great aplomb and also tact, allowing his own multiple talents full rein without stealing the show. The onstage rapport between Brown and Williams manages to be relaxed, lively and sensitive all at the same time.

Living with anxiety might not immediately seem promising as the raw material of comedy. Williams has the comic eye to craft a show out of her experiences that’s usually hilarious, often moving and, in an odd way, thoroughly admirable. That’s not a term this reviewer has used about a comedy show before, but there definitely is something admirable in Williams’ candour about the stuff of her life; her willingness to play, if not on the edge, then close to it.

Maybe it goes without saying, but let’s say it anyway: Williams might be a tad underpowered at the moment but her timing, delivery and pace remain as on point as ever, to the noisy delight of the sympathetic and highly appreciative audience.

Sam on sound and lighting does a great job.
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