High energy and captivating, Sarah Cameron-West’s one-woman show KAREN is a tragically accurate depiction of modern dating that is as cathartic as it is entertaining.
Balancing work and a social life is tricky enough at the best of times, but even harder when romance and career collide. Protagonist (so-named so that anyone can see themselves in her) finds herself forced to grapple with workplace politics after a messy break-up that sees her ex start dating a colleague.
It would be a typical tale of heartbreak were it not performed with the vivacity and authenticity of Cameron-West. Female heartbreak and tragedy are often depicted prettily, with a few chaste tears trickling down cheeks. Cameron-West turns this on its head with a fiery range of emotions that more accurately display what women’s rage and grief can look like – a feat not often seen on stage.
The heartbreak in KAREN is well-balanced with snappy humour and an ultimately empowering character arc that leaves even the most jaded of daters perhaps feeling hopeful. It’s a story about women’s strength, women’s relationships, and women’s experiences – however messy that might be, as emphasised through the fact we never hear a man’s voice in it.
While the pace could be tighter, with some longer pauses detracting from the high energy of the performance, Cameron-West brings so much to the stage that a smoother transition between scenes would help keep that energy consistent and the audience engaged to the max, as this show deserves to be seen.
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Despite that, KAREN is a genuine delight to watch, not trying to be likeable or aesthetic but simply real. It’s that honesty that shines through and draws you into Protagonist’s story. It’s well worth a watch for anyone feeling disillusioned by dating, if only to know that you’re far from alone
