Blacksheep

The most moving solo show that I have seen in a long time, Jae West’s sassy heartfelt, true story, was beautifully structured, highly educational, funny, personal, heartbreaking and moving.

Using a variety of methods to tell her story, including dance, storytelling, comedy and documentary video, Jae’s story of coming out, finding herself among the queer community and her struggle with mental health and body image is highly personal. While we may have heard similar stories before, Jae’s raw honesty, charm and ability to talk to the audience like you are chatting over coffee, makes this story especially touching, and leaves the audience both touched and in awe. \

From her experiences in synchronised swimming at a tiny primary school, through to standing barely dressed on London’s busiest street to highlight eating disorders and self-love, this young woman has enough fascinating life experience to easily keep an audience rapt for the hour-long show.

Performed as part of the Blue Room’s Summer Night’s series, for a well-attended but very short season, this is a show that deserves to return, as this excellent production should have a larger audience.

Kimberley Shaw