This autobiographical show tells the powerful story of Sam Ipema’s diagnosis with a brain aneurysm at the age of 20. Through her journey, we’re taken on the emotional and physical battle she faced, brought vividly to life in a really creative and compelling way with the aneurysm itself being personified as ‘Annie.’ Annie is embodied by the vivacious Eleanor House who rushes, dances, sings and prances across the stage in brightly coloured costumes – desperate to be part of the action and impossible to ignore, much to Sam’s frustration and dismay.

The visual representation of Annie is an effective theatrical tool and one particularly memorable moment occurs when Sam first notices symptoms during a football match (her fave sport). A flash of pink suddenly bursts from the curtains at the back of the stage – it’s Annie making her entrance and it’s a brief yet striking signal that something is wrong.

Several tellies placed around the stage add further dimension to the storytelling, projecting characters such as Sam’s parents and adopted brother weighing in on the story. These digital elements are used with precision – the timing is sharp and the integration into the action is smooth. The result is a rich, layered stage design that adds to the narrative without overwhelming it.

At its core, the show explores the tension between trying to live as a young adult while facing something profoundly life altering. Sam’s candidness is moving and her direct interactions with the audience provide moments of light relief that balance the heavier themes. Her dynamic with Annie is volatile, shifting between frantic, antagonistic and tender interactions, keeping us engaged and eagerly awaiting what’s coming next. One particularly challenging scene to watch is Sam’s depiction of her surgery. She uses one of the TVs to play a graphic video of the aneurysm removal procedure. It’s visceral and real – so much so that the girl in front of me turned away, wincing.

There were a few moments where I felt confused, especially when Sam spoke directly to the sound and lighting desk at the back of the theatre. At times, it seemed like part of the show and at others, it felt like she was concerned about a genuine technical issue. Either way, Sam handled it with confidence and composure, blurring the line between performance and reality in a way that felt in keeping with the autobiographical nature of the show.

DEAR ANNIE, I HATE YOU is a visually bold, emotionally honest and deeply human story. Sam isn’t seeking sympathy – she’s embracing life in all its unpredictability and asking us to do the same. She leaves us with a resonant reminder of the fragility and beauty of being alive.

Catch DEAR ANNIE, I HATE YOU at the Pleasance Courtyard til 25th Aug. Ticket available here!

Photo by Alex Brenner