Perfect Show For Rachel
Step into Rachel's world in this experimental show as a learning disabled artist has the power to lead the creation of her ‘Perfect Show’
Created by Zoo Co, in collaboration with Improbable.
Co-produced by Zoo Co and Improbable
Rachel is a theatre-loving, enigmatic 33 year-old who loves Kylie Minogue, heckling from the front row and seeing people falling over. She is a learning disabled care-home resident, and sister to Flo, Zoo Co’s Artistic Director.
Sitting on-stage on a throne with her custom-built tech desk, she took charge as the director of every unique performance in real-time. A touch of a button could trigger music, lighting, theatrical scenes or choreography, which were brought to life instantly by a company of performers.
Perfect Show for Rachel was developed with Rachel, to create a show on her own terms. It explored who defines artistic taste, and questioned who that currently excludes. Zoo Co Theatre are a multi award-winning company creating theatre that loudly champions access. Zoo Co are winners of the Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award in 2022.
The production won the OFFIE for Access in 2023
Read Flo’s introduction to the show here.
Listen to Flo and Lee
on making Perfect Show For Rachel
2024 Cast:
Becky Barry Performer
Stephen Collins Performer
Sara Dawood Performer
Folarin Akinmade Performer
Fleur Rooth Performer
Austin Yang Live Scribe
Joshua Goodman Performer
Nick Gilbert Performer
Lee Simpson Performer
Flo O'Mahony Performer Gabriel Akamo Performer
Wendy O'Mahony Performer and Onstage Carer
2024 Creative Team:
Rachel O’Mahony Director
Flo O’Mahony Artistic Director
Fleur Rooth Creative Access Director
Lee Simpson Lead Artist, Performer and Facilitator
Stella Backman Set and Costume Designer
Rachel Sampley Lighting and Video Designer
Han Sayles Assistant LX and Video Designer Becky Barry Integrated BSL Performer
Sophie Woolley Dramaturg (BSL) Daryl Jackson BSL Translator
Joshua Goodman Musical Director
Nick Gilbert Sound Designer
Esme Cooper Fight Director
Simeon Campbell Choreographer
2024 Production Team:
Chloe Stally-Gibson Production Manager Charlotte Driessler Stage Manager Fana Sunley-Smith Stage Manager Seraphina Denton Production Assistant Hannah Skaili Access Coordinator Maria Laumark Access Support Worker Laurie Ogden Access Support Worker Ruth Newbury-Payton Access Support Worker Betty Williams Singh Company Support Worker Ess Grange Audio Describer Lucy Flight Carer
All images below by Ikin Yum
Upcoming Performances
We are currently booking dates for 2025. If you are a venue and are interested in programming this production, please email kathryn@improbable.co.uk.
Press and reviews:
“Why can’t theatre be more like this? Open, relaxed, fun and full of love” ★★★★★ The Guardian
“A joyous piece of anarchic knockabout fun”
★★★★ The Stage
“A disarming labour of love” ★★★★ The Times
“This is a theatrical experience unlike any other, crafted with accessibility at the helm... it’s a joyful space facilitated that enables Rachel to share her memories and interests in real time. Her direction is intentional, resulting in wildly funny scenes and heartfelt memories.” ★★★★ Broadway World
