Review – Confessions of a Control Freak

When I walked in to see the protagonist displaying her pointe skills, I thought I was at the wrong show. But no, I was in the right place – the ballet was just an initial peek into Frances‘ life as a control freak.

Through a series of confessions, Frances – Belinda Raisin – explores the pressures women put on themselves in the quest for – ironically – balance. There’s universal appeal in the show, but it’s best suited to women who are about to make the life-changing shift from being twenty-somethings to thirty-somethings.

If you fit this category, bring a gaggle: there are definitely moments when you will identify with her struggle against perfectionism and her penchant for list making.

If you are, however, of the male persuasion, and you decide to see this show, you may be surprised to discover:

• Yes, some women do worry too much,
• Yes, some women have conflict between what they should want and what they do want, and
• Yes, these complicated beauties will be some of the most engaging people you will ever meet.

This is a brutally honest tale, laying bare struggles and personal triumphs. The pain and catharsis that Raisin has invested into writing and performing the show is palpable.

Frances is utterly endearing, skilfully wielding an arsenal of chintzy pop songs to illustrate her life as a slighty neurotic, ever-questioning woman of the now. In fact, during this show, I felt like I made a new friend. Belinda: if you read this, we should catch up for a drink sometime.