Hanging Around is a wickedly entertaining production that will leave you feeling thoroughly bewitched. Burn Bright Theatre and Stacey Evans have brewed up a devilishly clever concoction of horror and comedy, sprinkled with a healthy dose of feminist fury.
The play follows the story of Agatha Soton, a 17th century witch (or perhaps not; as the story unfolds you’ll have to decide this for yourself) who is still hanging around (pun intended) and causing trouble. When she unexpectedly finds herself trapped inside the body of her descendant, Kate, the two must learn to share the same skin. But as Kate desperately tries to reclaim her own body, Agatha proves to be a formidable foe, determined to stay put.
Hanging Around is a spellbinding one-woman play, brought to life by the talented Stacey Evans in her debut solo show and directed by Katherine Timms (The Milkman Cometh, VAULT Festival). Evans flawlessly embodies both Agatha Soton, the 17th century witch, and her modern-day descendant, Kate, as well as a raft of other characters, each one unique and distinct. It’s an impressive feat of acting that showcases Evans’ range and versatility. Despite being a solo performer, Evans brings this cast of characters to life, from the snarky ghost of Agatha to the hapless human caught in the middle of this supernatural conflict, and the comedic but genuinely awful ‘best friend’. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she seamlessly transitions between moments of horror and hilarity.
Stacey Evans’ remarkable performance in Hanging Around is just the beginning – the play also boasts a skilfully written script that seamlessly blends horror, comedy, and insightful commentary on feminism and LGBTQ issues. Through its exploration of power dynamics, agency, and the repercussions of past injustices, Hanging Around manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving audiences spellbound throughout the entirety of the production.
At its core, Hanging Around is a play about identity, truth, and the challenges of living with oneself – or in this case, two selves. Evans delivers a powerful and engaging performance that will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Kate to reclaim her body from the stubborn and vengeful Agatha.
Hanging Around is a play that truly has it all – ghosts, witches, pizza, and even a little bit of romance. It’s a perfect blend of spooky and silly, with just the right amount of heart to keep you invested in the characters. Hanging Around is a tour-de-force of one-woman theatre production that is both captivating and entertaining.
Hanging Around is at Pleasance until 8th April
