Anxious & Hilarious: Performers with Anxiety and Depression Deliver Smash-Hit Comedy—This Is What Makes Fringe Festival So Special!
I cannot believe that this show was done by people with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. No, it’s not what you’re thinking—it’s a complete comedy show, and an absolutely brilliant one at that! Moni Zhang, who led the show, was exceptionally funny, setting the tone for an afternoon of laughter that you wouldn’t expect from a group dealing with such heavy personal challenges.
As the afternoon unfolded, a series of comedians took the stage, each sharing their own experiences with mental health in the most hilarious ways imaginable. What they say on stage is 100 percent true about their situations, but the way they say it leaves the audience laughing out loud rather than feeling sad. It’s a testament to their incredible talent that they can take their struggles and transform them into something that not only entertains but also inspires.
One of the standout moments for me was a joke about Denmark. The comedian said, “Denmark was the happiest country in the world, but I took it as a challenge and went there, and now it’s the second happiest country because of me.” It was pure gold—sharp, self-deprecating, and utterly hilarious.
Hats off to all the comedians in the show: Moni Zhang, Sukumar, Julian Stern, Catherin Lindsay, Gabrielle, and Mihai. Each one brought something unique to the stage, and together they created an experience that was more than just a comedy show. It was a reminder that if these performers can achieve such brilliance despite their challenges, then what are we complaining about? After the show, I kept thinking about how none of our excuses or fears should hold us back from achieving anything in the world. Whether you are autistic, handicapped, bipolar—whatever your challenge—nothing can stop you from achieving what you want. Just get up and go.
These kinds of shows are what make the Fringe Festival so special. They deliver the powerful message that the world is not just for perfect people; it’s for everyone. The closing line, “We got everyone inside one theatre so that we don’t go and murder anybody outside,” was the perfect end to a perfect show.
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If I could give them a 6-star rating, I would. Hats off to you all!
Reviewer: Saira Kunjuvalappil (Saira ks)
Reviewed: 13th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: