Have you ever wondered what the brain-child of Bo Burnham and Pheobe Waller Bridge would look like? The result would be something along the lines of Can’t Talk Right Now.
This stunning musical comedy is hyper focused on one woman’s inner turmoil as she awaits a call from her oncologist. Initially, Aggy tries to convince herself she is overacting. However, over the next 45 minutes, she forces herself to consider what a positive cancer diagnosis would mean.
As Aggy herself puts it, “cancer kills a lot of things, but mainly the mood.” Nevertheless, the atmosphere of the show is far from dampened. Can’t Talk Right Now masterfully balances humour and raw vulnerability in order to tackle this dark theme.
Jen Cassidy is an outstanding musical talent, skilfully expressing the entire spectrum of human emotion through song. She is supported by Molly O’Gorman’s delightful lyricism and perfectly timed score. The fluidity with which Aggy progresses from one song to the next, and the captivating simplicity of the production, bewitch the audience from start to finish.
Aggy, her fears, and her relationships seem incredibly real. Which is remarkable considering her partner, John, only appears on stage in the form of a place-holder pillow and Aggi’s side of their phone calls. Yet to the audience, John is fully fleshed out. Aggi’s love for him and frustration with him – including his Monster Munch affinity – are completely justified. Can’t Talk Right Now is a masterclass in character building, proving throughout that less really is more.
Whether twenty or seventy, healthy or facing illness, Aggy’s frustration at her lack of progress is something everybody can understand. She wants to be a writer, yet spends her 9-to-5 working in marketing for Warts and All. Her dissatisfaction manifests itself into plans for the future. The profundity of the show is that her future may only be six weeks long.
Without revealing which animal features unexpectedly prominently in Aggy’s thoughts, I will say it adds an entertainingly whimsical and unique strand to the show. Aggy places a pair of these animals in a children’s story of her own devising. The crafted “Amy” represents herself, an ambitious dreamer who strives for greatness. The other, “Jasper”, reflects John, who is passively contented with his life. It becomes clear to Aggy that something must change.
Can’t Talk Right Now is a sensational show with the inspiring manifesto, “you get the future you make.”
Can’t Talk Right Now is running until 16 August at theSpace on the Mile.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Ieva Wade, provided to The Student as press material.