Based on her real experiences of live-streaming a breakdown during the pandemic, Eleanor Hill reconstructs and examines this time in OVERSHARE, inviting us into the chaos of her mental state.
As we enter the space, we step into the intimate, messy world of Hill’s bedroom – a brilliantly designed set by Constance Villemot that mirrors the turmoil of Hill’s mind. She’s already filming herself and from that moment, the live stream never stops.
We’re quickly drawn into her erratic routines – obsessively checking up on her toxic ex, Mark, on every social media platform possible, trying to stay healthy by eating an apple a day and grappling with the spirals of health anxiety and unresolved grief over her mother’s death. She talks frantically into her phone with both present and past recordings projected behind her serving as a constant reminder that we are watching not just a performance, but a real breakdown in progress.
She interweaves memes, gifs and Instagram style visuals that offer brief moments of humour, providing needed relief amongst the heavier themes of depression and suicidal thoughts. Hill circles the space constantly, unable to stay still, pouring her lived experience into every movement and line. There were moments when I craved more context – to learn more about how she got here and the need to share it online. However, you could say that’s part of the impact of the show as we’re meeting her in real time, just as her followers did previously. At the core of OVERSHARE is a reflection on the unnaturally voyeuristic nature of social media and its emotional distance, but also its strange capacity for connection and togetherness.
OVERSHARE is honest, gutsy and topical with Hill delivering a dynamic and memorable performance. As mentioned, the show explores sensitive themes, so it may be helpful to check the trigger warnings beforehand. Running at Greenwich Theatre til 25th May. Tickets available below.
Photos by Joe Twigg.
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