Review: THE SENTIMENTAL VALUE OF A HALF-EATEN BISCUIT AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RAMIFICATIONS OF A LOST HAIR-TIE, Bread & Roses Theatre
The Sentimental Value of a Half-Eaten Biscuit and The Psychological Ramifications of a Lost-Hair Tie is a tonally accurate title for this one-person play by Sian Kayleigh. Oakley - who’s also played by Kayleigh - arrives on stage dancing to the music in their headphones before giving themselves a strict schedule in which to tidy their room, shower, eat, and get changed. Spoiler alert: they achieve one out of four things. This is one of the strengths of the piece, the subtle but effective depiction of everyday ADHD struggles. After some deliberations of what to listen to, including a therapist joke that really lands, they settle on an eclectic mix of music and begin.
From the jump, Oakley is aware that the audience is watching. The breaking of the fourth-wall is handled well, almost inviting us to talk back. Realising that we were there to stay, Oakley launches into a refreshingly honest, rambling monologue about therapy, toxic relationships and sexuality and identity confusion. Tales of failed childhood courtship speak to the brutality of play-ground politics. We meet Oakley at a time of deep confusion, having figured out they’re gay and non-binary but also not sure of their labels - they beg the question, is anyone? One of the best lines is “I’ve spent so much time trying to make myself attractive to mediocre men when I could’ve been kissing GIRLS!” (Seconded only by “How do my tits compare to other people’s tits?”, which was asked directly to an audience member).
Given Kayleigh’s background seems similar to Oakley’s, it’s hard to know how much of the play is fictional and how much is autobiographical. They’re a good storyteller, putting on the accents and physicality of their family members, but the lack of narrative direction causes the back-and-forth monologues to fall on slightly deaf ears. The play as a whole would’ve packed more of a punch if the stories contained some kind of reveal or catharsis. Oakley’s lack of arc blocked the piece from emotionally resonating with audiences more.
Overall, though, it is an interesting watch because it is so propped up by Kayleigh’s energy. For an hour, they throw clothes and make-up around the stage, find old photos that prompt memories and start them off on a new tangent. There’s often good comedic timing and nods to small but utterly relatable things, like how everyone owns more notebooks than we need. They dance passionately to Shania Twain and play off line mishaps smoothly. The show will surely get improve night on night as Kayleigh gets used to the gruelling challenge of a solo play. With a more solid structure, The Sentimental Value… could be a hit.
This relatably chaotic getting-ready-process-turned-existential-musing is a love letter to everyone who never manages to get out the door on time.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Ruby Skippings
