Why can’t more theatre be like this? Open, relaxed, fun and full of love, Perfect Show for Rachel has been created by Flo O’Mahony and the brilliant members of Zoo Co. It is directed by Flo’s older sister Rachel, who has learning disabilities and lives in a care home. Rachel sits at a control desk with 39 colourful buzzers, each of which represents a different scene, song or game that the company has created in collaboration with her. The fart buzzer will get quite a work out. But so too will the birthday, Kylie and bag buzzer, alongside all sorts of carefully crafted moments that will take us into Rachel’s world with generosity, imagination and heart.
Every performance Zoo Co creates is “relaxed” and they have really mastered the art. The cast mills about on stage – dancing, smiling and waving – as we find our seats. Rachel chats easily throughout the show and her words are projected on to a screen. At her request, we are also shown a live-feed of her watching the show. It’s a total delight: such joy and concentration. But also: boredom and distraction. Everything is captured and everything is allowed (rarely have I heard such a happy and giggly audience).
