Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wed 18-Sat 21 Sep; Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Wed 25 + Thurs 26 Sep; Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli, Tue 1 + Wed 2 Oct
Starring Robert Bowman, this production by Living Pictures focuses on protagonist Robbie, who wakes up choking in the middle of the night struggling to breathe, confused as to what is happening. Although the attack eventually fades, the confusion remains. He looks in the mirror to see that his stomach has bloated, and his body resembles his father’s. He has trouble understanding how he’s got that way, having once vowed that he would never be like him.
Say When examines the hardships that an ordinary, middle-aged man faces when dealing with issues surrounding body confidence. Dark, dry humour is sprinkled throughout as the show touches on weight loss, dieting, the food industry, wrestling, the environment, and Robbie’s relationship with his father. We follow Robbie on his adventure via a litany of quick and easy diets, advice from scientists and media experts.
Say When is directed by Elen Bowman, who has previously won the Theatre in Wales Award for her stage show Amdani and has had two Welsh BAFTA nominations for her short film What? in 2002 and A470 in 2006. Each performance is followed by an audience talk with some guest speakers, plus food which, we’re informed, is reliably guilt-free.
Tickets: £8.50-£12.50. Info: www.livingpictures.org.uk (TS)
