Age is a Feeling – Anatomy Lecture Theatre Summerhall Festival

A gem of storytelling and insight. Haley McGee, writer and performer, delivers tenderness, wit and sensitivity to a captivated audience in the Anatomy Lecture Room at Summerhall. It is an apt setting, since she is dissecting our stages of life. The semi-circular auditorium cradles the simple set which is carefully lit (Don Carter-Brennan) to cast soft shadows as you exit pondering the imprint our lives do or do not leave behind us.

Age is a Feeling questions the veracity of Time and how our internal clock fights with chronology. Directed by Adam Brace this very personal piece invites the audience to choose which episodes of life to recount, leaving out others, as happens in life. Nobody really knows us is the premise which the set (Zoë Hurwitz) creatively and cleverly represents. The nod to the natural world and the seasons elegantly complements the text.

An occasional MRI of life’s key moments, Age is a Feeling dissects what makes a life worthwhile and how the wind blows us off course without warning. Beginning at age 25 and finishing with death, this exploration of regret, celebration and carpe diem brings tears to your eyes, evokes smiles and nods of recognition.

Distillation makes this piece powerful. Words are not wasted. They are delivered at speed and, once McGee gets into her stride, they are captivating. The performance is by turns flippant, light and deeply touching. Her delivery is lively and incisive. Tears are shed when tears are required. Commissioned by Soho Theatre, Age is a Feeling is one to see if you like a story well told.

Age is a Feeling continues until 28th August, click HERE for dates, times and tickets.

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 5th August 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★