‘Here’s a Question?…Why Don’t We Talk About Illness, and Death More?’ – The Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer, Dorfman Theatre at the National, London 23.11.2016

I would have not known that a musical such like this existed had it not have been for my friend mentioning it to me one evening, as her partner had heard a preview of a song on the radio, but it is not everyday that a musical is involved with this particular subject. Myself and my friend Jess were quite intrigued and as someone had a birthday soon, my treat was to share the experience together.

The Pacifist Guide to the War on Cancer, written and directed by Byrony Kimmings is an all-singing, all-dancing examination of life with a cancer diagnosis. Focussing on a mother with a new born baby journey through finding a black shadow in an x-ray, to diagnosis, we also see stories of five other Cancer patients, and their journey through treatment, and coming to terms with the condition they have along with love ones who are also affected. This brand new musical confronts the highs and lows of the scariest word we know.

Tonight’s performance was being performed at the Dorfman Theatre, one of three that make up the National Theatre. I was surprised to find that this venue does not feature on SeatPlan’s website, yet the other two do, so when it came to choosing are seats I was not sure as to what I was in for, also the way that the seating plan was portrayed on the ticket website made it a tad confusing as it looked like some seats that you could choose were quite far from the stage. I went in blind but chose the Circle section, Side View, Row N seats 12 and 13. At the Theatre we picked up our tickets, and programme (which was themed as a medical report…), we took to the auditorium to take our seats, and I was happy with my choice. Although being a side view, we were close to the stage,  with just a small section of stage left missing (but we knew there were doors and what we were missing) I was quite happy with my choice, but also felt that this particular space is another that would give you a satisfactory view for any seat/price you had.

Now when walking away from this show, I thought quite a lot as to how on earth do I review a show like this. With such a powerful focus, and one close to many of the public, how could I do it justice. Firstly the show allows you to laugh, smile, and be entertained by what you are viewing, I mean when the actors are putting toilet trays on their head and dancing to country music its hard not to have a giggle, and would be a challenge to many. The first act allowed you to shed light on a horrific subject but then the second half allowed you to reflect, and get an insight on the reason on why this musical was created, a complete contrast that worked so well. Even with being associated with an illness that is hated by all, made us feel that we were allowed to enjoy this show, but also respect what was being observed.

The Characters in the story were unnamed mainly, but we learn that they are a reflection of people that Byrony Kimmings knew, met, and spoke to, all of whom were all diagnosed with Cancer, and we learn this when the actors and actresses are dubbed by those they are portraying, although displaying a powerful message, and reflection of how someone who has cancer feels, the American who had a rare genetic Cancer, correcting and directing the actresses accent, just added that little more that they too find the light in the subject. But also the doctors were honoured in this show, and although hard to hear we heard a view of one on dying, having seen it many times her take on what happens when we die was surprisingly soothing to hear.

The performers tonight were:

Naana Agyei-Ampadu

Amy Booth-Steel

Jenny Fitzpatrick

Hal Fowler

Amanda Hadingue

Francesca Milles

Golda Rosheeuvel

Max Runham

Rose Shalloo

Gareth Snook

Lottie Vallis

Gary Wood

It is hard to pick out an actress or actor from this cast as each and everyone did amazingly to what they were performing, and talent all around. To perform a show you could tell they all understood as to what they were showing, and you felt that everything they did they meant and felt every word, and wanted to show the audience just that.  It was nice to see Amy Booth-Steel, and Hal Fowler again, having seen them before at the National in ‘The Light Princess’, tonight taking on a different role tonight, and I must say Amy portrayal of the mother of a son who has testicular cancer was moving, showing the desperation of trying so hard to stay strong and help (maybe at times too much, like some of us don’t realise we are doing) but you know she is hurting just as much inside as her son. Also I do have to mention Golda Rosheeuvel’s singing was beautiful and ‘Silly Girl’ was a highlight in all the songs sung that night.

This show made me laugh, smile, but also cry, and think, I also was very thankful that I got to honour my granddad within the performance and during the second act, we were allowed to speak the names that we have lost to this cruel disease, but then realise that we are not alone, and we can all relate and sympathise. The Pacifists Guide to the War on Cancer was a delight to watch, and I’m so happy that I didn’t miss a chance to watch such a unique piece. It is sadly closing on the 29th November, but I do hope that it comes round again, and shed a happy light, and open others to speaking out about Cancer, instead of hiding in the shadows.