Maimuna Memon in Manic Street Creature [Johan Persson]

IN Manic Street Creature – the award-winning show that premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 – Ria (Maimuna Memon) is in the studio recording her debut album with bandmates Heidi (Rachel Barnes), Finn (Sam Beveridge) and Raz (Harley Johnson). As the session progresses, she reveals a troubled love story through her songs.

A singer-songwriter, Ria travels from Lancaster to Camden to start afresh. While trying to make ends meet by performing in local pubs, she meets Daniel. Finding they have a lot in common, they quickly become a couple; he joins her band and they move in together in Dalston.

But Daniel has mental health issues and, when these surface, they trigger Ria’s own buried trauma.

With music, book and lyrics by Memon, this poignant piece of gig theatre explores the emotional fallout of mental illness on those closest to it.

Between songs, Memon narrates her experience and demonstrates the healing power of music.

She must navigate her partner’s behaviour as he attempts to manage his suicidal impulses with medication, while also confronting the ways her absent father continues to influence how she deals with relationships and the giving and receiving of love.

Assuredly directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward on Libby Watson’s versatile set – a recording-studio-cum-flat evocatively lit by Jessica Hung Han Yung – the production is technically impressive, with high-calibre audio engineering from Sound Quiet Time.

In 2025, Memon won an Olivier Award for her role as Sonya in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and was nominated for the same award for her role in Standing at the Sky’s Edge in 2023.

One can see why. She has a remarkable voice, and the show perfectly complements her style and range. It’s cleverly conceived and beautifully executed by this tight musician-actor cast.

Warmly recommended.

Until March 28
KilnTheatre.com