Mullygrubs

There are times in one’s life when the mullygrubs can kick in and turn into suicidal thoughts. Mullygrubs is a dark, brooding comedy examining the demands of modern living. Written and performed by Leah Filley and Harry Thompson, it was nominated for Best Theatre at the 2019 Melbourne Fringe, and is headed Adelaide Fringe.

Life can be overwhelming for many of us, regardless of age, sex, class or race, sometimes resulting in serious mental health problems. Mullygrubs is set in a nightclub recovery room where two friends chill out for a much-needed chinwag. This is no ordinary nightclub - it is a metaphorical construct that captures the seriousness of depression while peeling away the onion-like layers of anxiety.

Two friends are caught on the invisible line between life and or death.

Harry is queer, loves discussing his many sexual exploits and is happy to listen and offer sordid advice.

Leah can’t cope with everyday toxic male oppression and wants to break free from her pigeon-holed existence. She’s overwhelmed by impossible social demands - buy her first home, have a baby, dating issues and fears that too much slut shaming has destroyed her chances of ever meeting the right guy. She is angry about the freedom of choices that men have by comparison with women.

Lifelines are always available if one is prepared to reach out, and Filley and Thompson have provided an honest and truthful exploration of depression and anxiety. They are both witty, colorful performers with a lot to say about the trappings of life and the social media landscape.

Flora Georgiou

Photographer: Jack Dixon-Gunn.\

www.lifeline.com.au