F*ck You Claire is an ambitious one-act play written and performed by Rosie Hollingworth. It follows Penelope, a woman in her mid-twenties, as she battles her inner demons. It is a story that many younger people can empathise with, and older audiences can sympathise with. Tackling the pressures of being an adult alongside society’s expectations and judgements, the play effectively captures her struggle to cope under the weight of everyday life.
The set design transforms the stage into Penelope’s cluttered, chaotic bedroom. The use of audio effects, music and lighting complements the disorder of her mind. Together with some literal personifications, they convey the hyperactivity, anxiety and pressure that gradually overwhelm her.
The script is funny and sharp. The overall production is visually engaging, making excellent use of a confined space to explore a complex subject. The light-hearted yet weighted nature in which it approaches the subject is quite commendable.
Even though it does a good job of portraying the character’s relentless internal attacks, it also simplifies what it takes to overcome them. Claire, whether seen as an obnoxious roommate or a personification of Penelope’s insecurities, is somewhat lost among the other voices pulling her down. The projected animation shows a clear change in her character, but it also feels like a missed opportunity to use the device more dynamically to mirror her shifting mental state and reinforce her progression.
While the play feels like it could offer more than it ultimately does, it is worth watching for its distinctive approach to anxiety and mental health through a solo performance. It contains plenty of inventive ideas and captures the raw emotional turmoil of the quarter-life crisis that many people experience today.
Reviewer: Prateek Sonny
Reviewed: 25th September 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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