What Makes Me Tic? ~ 30.06.2019

Theatre can be a very powerful medium to prompt change, challenge perceptions and raise awareness. What Makes Me Tic? written by Luke Stephenson and directed by Zoe Gibson does exactly that. 

It is with a fierce amount of bravery that these graduates of The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts take to the stage of Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool and share real stories of people who live with or support someone with Tourette’s Syndrome.

Not only does this piece educate and inform on Tourette's itself, but it's immersive style allows us at the audience to experience what having this condition could feel like, in a very simple yet ingenious way. In order to do that, both Stephenson and Gibson effortlessly gain the trust of their audience which was a beauty to behold and a testament to their abilities as performers.

With the consideration that this is a new production, it was it's very first public showing and it is only one act, it was a very well rounded as a piece. With perfectly executed comedy from Stephenson, lighting and music which fit the intention of the play so aptly and direction for Gibson which portrayed so much strength in what many would see as weakness or vulnerability. It is evident that this show will go from strength to strength as it's tour progresses.

It is important to remember that not all conditions, illnesses or disabilities are visible. A statement which seems so blindingly obvious but is often forgotten. It is equally important to learn about what we do not know; not to judge people on, for example, their tics.

I commend these actors for truly liberating their audience in knowledge and for allowing them to see past Tourette's the condition to see people, living their lives the best way they can and never giving in to societies perceptions.

They have created something truly special and I urge you to go and watch.

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What Makes Me Tic?

South Street Arts Centre ~ Saturday 6th July 

Lantern Theatre Brighton ~ 12 & 13th July