Alice Ella takes us back to her teenage years, reflecting on the beginnings of her experiences with ME, PMDD, ADHD, IBS and POTS after countless doctors insisted she was fine, even though she knew she wasn’t. She tells us frankly how ill, unheard and increasingly frustrated she felt and still feels. In CHRONICALLY SICK, HORMONAL SLAG we learn all about the reality of living with these illnesses through a blend of stand up, mixed media, performance, character comedy and songs with punchy lyrics that are shaped by both pop culture and musical theatre influences.

For me, these musical moments are the real highlight of the night and is where Alice really owns the room, filling the space with her amazing voice and making the audience laugh lots by leaning into satire to explores symptoms, desires and anecdotes. Some of the sections between songs feel a little less cohesive and at times I found the connection to the story a bit harder to sustain because of this. Throughout the show, Alice opens up important and timely conversations around invisible illness and the reality that someone can appear completely fine while privately battling something overwhelming and debilitating. She turns personal pain into comedy, giving voice to her and others experiences that are often dismissed, ignored or out of sight. 

There’s laughs, audience interaction, catchy songs, cabaret, cats, cool costumes and thoughtful reflections on personal experience that make for a passionate and honest show. CHRONICALLY SICK, HORMONAL SLAG is on during Brighton Fringe at Komedia Studio on 18th May at 8pm!

Tickets available here.