What's Wrong With Me? The Musical
A group therapy session disguised as a fringe musical takes to the stage at The Lion & Unicorn Theatre this summer.
With so many new, self-produced works coming to fruition currently, it can be hard to find one that stands out from the crowd. Generic themes, blackbox venues, and minimal audiences to fill the seats can massively reduce the quality of these up and coming pieces. ‘What’s Wrong With Me?’ however manages to avoid all these traps and is really something quite special. This is primarily because the concept is actually original, and concurrently addresses real issues in a sensitive and informed manner - keeping it light and playful too.
As you enter, the space already feels buzzing with meditative energy and you just know you’re in for a good time. We then spend 2 hours following 5 strangers who arrive at a newfangled wellbeing retreat with a variation of first world problems. They attempt (with varying degrees of success) to transcend and become the best versions of themselves. Will Osmond’s questionable tactics get through to them or will they still be asking “What’s Wrong With Me?”
The technical elements of this production were well designed and fit nicely with the feel of the show - nothing too eccentric, but unpredictable enough to keep the balance of humorous and heartfelt. Toby Silver’s lighting was the calibre you would expect from a nearly sold out return run, especially as both acts have now been extended since its original launch in 2022, and was executed professionally. The set was clearly limited to match the small stage and fringe budget, and in the same breath was clever and effective. One of the highlights has to be the yoga scene which had everyone in fits of giggles, even after the number had ended.
All of the performers were brilliant and comical throughout, and really brought the script to life. Even without a particularly complex plot, the characters are relatable and funny, which makes for an easy and enjoyable watch.
I would have loved to give this show the 4 stars it deserves, however unfortunately the standard of the content outweighed its delivery. With some catchy tunes (by Rosalyn Miller) and fun choreography to match (thanks to director Jess Coppen-Gardner) the music felt unfulfilled as it was played by Dan Warren on one singular keyboard with no backing tracks to support it. In a mic-free venue and with a small ensemble to belt out the ballads, it would have been nicer to experience a more full, well rounded soundtrack.
Adam Rhys-Davies as ‘Andy’ carried the show vocally, and was possibly the only cast member I’d class as a singer specifically. As brilliant as the other actors were, there are simply too many songs not to have stronger vocalists.
Conclusively, it’s a good start to a great show and I’m excited to see where it goes next!
You can find out more about the show over on their Instagram account @wwwm_themusical
Review written by Katie Anna McConnell
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