Based on her own experiences of anorexia nervosa this funny and poignant play with songs is a three hander about obsession, despair and finally about letting go, offering an authentic insight that challenges popular misconceptions about dealing with and recovering from anorexia.
Mess was developed with the help of experts from Maudsley Hosptial, one of the leaders in eating disorder research, and with the support from a Wellcome Trust Arts Award.
Josephine, Boris and Sistahl are catapulted from the depths of despair and bafflement to the heights of joy and hope and back again as they struggle to tell the story of Josephine’s anorexia and recovery. Mess is wickedly funny and deeply moving, providing a window into an internal world of addiction and control, which is finally rejected for the messy, chaotic and rich world outside.
Caroline is joined by Hannah Boyde, a member of the War Horse ensemble. Musician Seiriol Davies previously collaborated with Punchdrunk, writing songs for and performing in The Black Diamond (2011). His original score and songs are performed live.
Caroline’s Edinburgh Fringe debut You’re Not Like The Other Girls Chrissy won The Stage Awards’ “Best Solo Performer” in 2010. It was nominated for a Holden Street Theatres award, New Writing South Best New Play and Best Theatre Performer at the Adelaide fringe and more recently has been nominated for an Olivier Award. The show continues to tour nationally and internationally to great critical acclaim.
Caroline is an artistic associate of The Bush and a writer and performer based in Birmingham. Recent work includes Olga in Heldenplatz (Arcola, 2010); and Cinderella (Warwick Arts Centre, 2009); Art House and Almost 10 (Tangram Theatre, 2009 Edinburgh Fringe, also nominated for 2009 Stage Award “Best Solo Performer”). Caroline recently directed and co-adapted Grisly Tales from Tumblewater for Teasel Theatre for Edinburgh Fringe 2011 and performed I’ll Show You Mine (sequel to Almost 10 by Raphaele Moussafir) at Lion and Unicorn Theatre (London 2011). She has recently collaborated with Shams and The Plasticine Men on their upcoming shows.
Susan Ringwood (Chief Executive, BEAT, the leading eating disorder charity) said:
…a truly remarkable piece of theatre. Eating disorders thrive on secrecy and shame, but Mess brings the illness out into the open in a way that will change both hearts and minds. It’s honest and insightful portrayal will bring hope to anyone affected by an eating disorder.”
• Caroline Horton presents Mess at ARC on Thu 2 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced F: £10 C: £8 and can be purchased here.