Review: Perfect Show for Rachel (Oxford Playhouse)

When I saw the information about Perfect Show for Rachel on a poster at the theatre, it was apparent that this was a show that would be unique. A collaboration between Zoo Co and Improbable, I was keen to review it, and who better to go with me than my friend Rachel.

At the beginning, Flo O’Mahony, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Zoo Co, but more importantly, Rachel’s little sister, takes to the stage for her allotted 5 minutes to introduce the concept. She is going relinquish all control and let Rachel direct the show.  Rachel is Flo’s learning disabled sister who lives in a care home (this wording we are given by Flo). During this introduction the audience is also told about the access elements incorporated into the show – there is embedded sign language, captions for any scripted sections, speech boards to display what Rachel says visually, and a TV screen with Rachel on it that “she will not do the show without” (audio description and a touch tour are also included at some performances). 

Without even being told (although we are actually told later with no uncertainty) it becomes clear that this show is for Rachel.  The cast (which includes Rachel and Flo’s mum Wendy) will do her bidding, the audience will sit and watch whatever Rachel selects, there will be pauses, there may be repetition. We were directly told that if anyone in the audience also happened to be called Rachel, this show was in no way for them at all.

The quiet room at the Oxford Playhouse

With every performance a relaxed performance, Flo invited audience members to react how they feel they want to, and stated clearly moving around was welcomed.  On this tour, venues have a quiet room that can be used if needed and in the Oxford Playhouse this room was located just away from the bar, yet was completely peaceful. With comfortable chairs and some lovely posters to look at, what started as a quick glance left us saying we could have sat in there and relaxed for hours.

Having seen a few improvised shows before, they all seem to have certain things in common. A person on stage who stops and starts the show at times to ensure the flow is steady, the plot generally makes some sort of sense, and the actors are doing certain things at their suggestion.  In Perfect Show, we have Rachel sharing with us what she wants to see, and the only Flo Rachel is concerned about is her sister.

Sitting behind an accessible tech desk with around 40 buttons in it, Rachel decides how the show will develop by pushing these buttons.  This is entirely at her whim. Potentially one button could be pushed all evening, or every button could be different. We did have one repeated scene but how it was used was interpreted slightly differently each time and clearly there are props available for repeated scenarios. The absolute lack of clarity of what would happen next, and the (short) pauses at times became some of my favourite moments of the show, while the on-stage cast looked towards Rachel for her next direction, and she gave it when she was good and ready to carry on. Each time, it was a moment that reminded you that this show was literally all for Rachel.

Production photo of Rachel at her tech desk.

I could give an outline of the scenes we saw, however there’s no guarantee they will be included if you go another night, and the show being different for every performance is a big part of it anyway. There are sketches that will resonate with some people more than others, however all of them are entertaining. You can see Rachel watching the audience’s reaction throughout the evening. It’s hard to imagine being able to share all of your favourite things with a crowd of people and seeing so many people’s genuine reactions. What a beautiful thing that’s being created every time Perfect Show for Rachel is performed.

The cast and creatives involved are all multi-talented, most importantly there to take Rachel’s direction with the randomness and sudden changes dealt with beautifully. Some scenes are scripted, others are improvised. One minute someone will be centre stage, the next they will be accused of farting and ordered (by Rachel) to stand outside. There is dancing, singing, instruments on stage and also appearing where required, there are jokes, fights, big musical numbers… you guessed it; whatever Rachel decides to include that evening. There are also projections and music involved with some of the button choices. Throughout all of this there are additions of BSL from various cast members, live captioning of everything Rachel says, and the sense that this is one of the most inclusive things you will every be lucky enough to see.

Production photo

There was some audience participation, mostly (at Rachel’s direction) including boys. There were enough volunteers with their hands up to make this painless for anyone else who shies away from getting involved, and these interactions were a huge success as a result.

At the end there was a standing ovation, the like of which I’m not sure I’ve seen at the Oxford Playhouse before. It was loud, it was enthusiastic, there was some signed applause, and it was joyful.

Who is this show for? Rachel, obviously.  You may enjoy it if you enjoy improvisation, want to see something completely unique and leave a theatre with a big smile on your face. If you have the honour of having someone with SEND in your life, don’t hesitate to take them along, there are loud noises and changing lighting, but the access provisions are all there, and it’s the sort of show that will open up the world of theatre to anyone.  

As for my friend Rachel, she turned to me at the end of the show and said “I think that was my perfect show too”.

Seventy five minutes of pure joy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect Show for Rachel is at Oxford Playhouse until Saturday 16 May and then moves on to Leeds Playhouse from 27 May to 6 June.

There is a souvenir brochure for the show which explains how the idea of the show came about. This gives further insight into Rachel and Flo’s wonderful relationship. It also gives more insight into Zoo Co and Improbable, the companies involved with the show. Definitely grab a copy of this if you can.

I was gifted tickets for this show in exchange for an honest review.