‘Before I’m Dead’ At The Glitch Review

Until the 22nd June, you can visit The Glitch on Leake Street, home of the VAULT Festival, to see the VAULT Creative Arts Playwriting Award Winner ‘Before I’m Dead’. This 75-minute play is written by James Rushbrooke and directed by Oli Savage.

17-year-old Zara, played by Myla Carmen (they/them), is dying of a terminal illness. This funny and sarcastic teen knows she’s running out of time and has one demand before she dies: to broadcast her own eulogy on Radio 4, on her own terms, before her brain tumour takes that option away.

Stuart, played by Pete Ashmore (he/him), is a mild-mannered, gentle charity worker who has been tasked with helping Zara make her wish come true. While initially a mismatched pair, an unexpected and meaningful connection develops between the two.

The play itself is minimalistic in nature yet highly effective. In the absence of flashy settings and additional cast members, the attention is entirely on the two actors who complement each other well. Carmen’s humour and witty banter combined with Ashmore’s warmth and calm demeanour creates a believable dynamic. The two seamlessly slip into the role of additional characters when the story calls for it.

There are parts that will make you laugh out loud as well as parts that will make you tear up. Carmen in particular does a brilliant job of portraying the inner turmoil of someone who normally uses angry humour to diffuse feelings of pain and grief but deep down is a very scared young person.

There are shows everyday until the 22nd of June at 7pm, with additional 2pm shows on Tuesday and Saturday. Tickets are £15 or £12.50 for concessions (not recommended for children under 12 due to themes of death and illness, suicide and domestic violence, as well as strong language).

address: The Glitch Theatre, 134 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE.

Website https://www.theglitch.london/before-im-dead

Written by Morgan Vaughan