Self Raising – Soho Theatre

Self Raising is a moving account of the autobiographical story of Jenny Sealey, Funny, poignant, witty and intelligent. Using the memoir form she paints the significant moments, adults and photographs that have left an inedible mark on her life.

The joy of being in a theatre with so many diverse patrons itself is Self Raising’s biggest achievement. Disabled members of our society do not have many venues that are accessible, productions that are sensitive or innovatively incorporate signing and live captions in their performance. When Jenny Sealey and her interpreter walk on stage encouraging the audience to continue talking, but no one does because she has our undivided attention. Jenny’s unfettered candour warmth and generosity make our curiosity and investment in her story grow with the fascinating retelling of a very unique story. 

The play is able to capture the harmful teaching parents of deaf children are given by healthcare professionals and their shortcomings to try and treat deaf children as hearing. We have our hearts twisted after the unravelling of secret after secret of Jenny’s life. However, with all her frankness, we are left at the brink of a story that she chooses not to retell but we are only too very familiar with.

Jenny’s physicality captures the curious child joyful to receive her first hearing aid, the shocked daughter at the disappointment of her parent’s behaviour, the confident dancer remembering her ballet and the determined older sister ready to share her story on her terms. The play gives us space to reflect on the many skeletons hiding in our cupboards and the possibilities of freedom we might experience in speaking them out.

Playing until 17th February, https://sohotheatre.com/events/self-raising/

Reviewer: Anisha Pucadyil

Reviewed: 8th February 2024

North West End UK Rating: