Review: Fat Chance (Camden People's Theatre)

Review by Tina Kijak

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A one woman, one hour but all-emotions show, Fat Chance, playing two nights at the Camden People’s Theatre, tells a story of trying to fit in. Into clothes, into society, or even into other peoples’ lives, while making yourself miserable in the process, something everyone can relate to, here brilliantly displayed through the story of one woman who dreams to have it all and goes for it. Only to be shut down in every aspect of her life for the way she looks. If you’ve ever been judged for anything, had obstacles put in front of you, or simply want to take a good hard look at the world right now, this one is for you.

We meet Rachel walking onto the stage to Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” immediately setting a mood of intensity, power and excitement for what’s to come. Performer and writer Rachel Stockdale takes us on her journey of tackling young adult life while experiencing a size 8 to 18 weight gain, shining a light on the personal struggles and societal punishment that come with it. Through examples of her drama school years, dating experiences, job hunting and health struggles, she paints a shocking, sadly accurate picture of being treated differently before (aka “skinny”) and now (“fat”), discriminated against in the acting industry, or at a doctor’s appointment, where no matter the actual issue the cure can only be weight loss.

 Accompanied by a timeline of different on-trend diets, non-acting jobs to make ends meet and the impact on mental health, the show emphasizes that ‘fat’ should be nothing more than a descriptive word and certainly not the direct opposite of ‘beautiful’. Stockard gives a pure, bold and captivating performance, with statements that hit the spot, important use of readable body language and even bursting into songs that might not make you want to get up and dance, but madly nod your head in agreement with the lyrics.

After a successful run at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, in this touring production of Fat Chance we find Rachel’s character in what I’d like to call a “right time-right moment”- stage-position throughout the show. The on-stage life is very busy, hectic and full on but, skilfully directed by Jonluke McKie, the constant and sometimes frantic movements between standing, sitting, dancing and singing do make sense and underline the shows message of the ever present need to move forward and be a better-looking version of yourself. Although I will say, that in some scenes it felt like the audience may have needed a moment or two longer to sit with the feelings that have been handed to them before moving on.

At the end of the show, we find the stage completely dishevelled with tossed around sofa cushions, a wedding dress that used to fit (but didn’t on the day) and candy wrappers on the floor. Metaphorically, they’re joined by all of Rachel’s emotions from the last decade still lingering, making you almost want to wrap them up carefully, take them home to further examine and protect at all costs. Rachel spins one of her negative experiences, where she claims through song, “I’m always just the best mate,” into a positive, exactly how I (and many others) feel now. Stockdale brought her thoughts, emotions and experiences across so relatably it’s like I sat with her through all of it, as a best friend taking on that vulnerability, having me leave the theatre wondering how I can make it better for her going forward and adapt the lessons learned into my own life. So, kudos to her for a point well made.

What ties the show together, and puts the bow on top, is the beautiful and relevant bridge between written character and real-life person. Stockdale exclaims – proudly – that she had to play a lot of parts to get to be herself. All this while having to deal with people putting her into boxes and then being surprised, shocked and even disappointed, to see her fight her way out of them. With Rachel’s last words, we are urged to stop trying to achieve perfection at all costs, believing that only then real life can start. But, as she poignantly refers back to her character, to see and appreciate her talent and beauty as it is right now, which I’m happy to say I certainly saw on that stage.

Fat Chance has now ended its UK Tour, but more information about the show and any future performances can be found at https://fatchanceplay.co.uk