The topic of morbid obesity and its physical and emotional perils is not one you would normally view as one rife with hilarity. Emily O’Loughlin succeeds in pulling off this challenge in her premier one woman show Life Spam: The Life and Times of Em O’Loughlin.
Em launched immediately into her story as soon as she hit the stage and kept up a frenetic pace for most of the show. This speed may have been a case of opening night nerves and settled into a slightly less manic tempo as she progressed. This created an apt sense of urgency that seemed to scream “My God! Do something to save yourself! Now!” amid the apathy and gloom experienced by Em. The tale was recounted with measured doses of animated physicality and even a bit of vocal mimicry to give voice to some of the story’s other players. This was all done with one woman on a stage with no props, her brilliant storytelling keeping the audience enthralled. Her warm stage presence made you feel as if you were listening to an old friend. It brought to mind the ABC series Smallest Room In The House in an extended format.
This was a intensely personal story that was very much a case of comedy as a form of therapy. There were plenty of detours that built upon the foundations of Em’s main thread that gave colourful background and much needed levity to the more serious moments. Sometimes she gave such graphic detail that you found yourself simultaneously laughing and recoiling, but it wasn’t all dark and heavy going. The story also contained plenty of happy and joyful memories amongst the melancholy. We had deep empathy with Em so we could understand her messed up thought processes, happily joined her in ridiculing others of the world that was described and internally cheered when she eventually faced her fears. It was an amusing yet highly emotional journey that had an important message at its core.
Life Spam was a mightily impressive debut festival show. Through countless short stand up spots she has obviously honed her skills to precision and it all came together with this show. It was a hilarious and touching performance that is a must see.
For booking details and further information see the Fringe Website