FAIRAPY is billed as “exceptional beings with ordinary problems”.

First and foremost, the exceptional being has to be writer and director Linda Helm-Manley.

This was her first time as writer and director and you could tell that Linda and her MHP team poured their heart and soul into this performance.

Basically, this was a series of acts where cartoon characters were on the psychiatrist’s couch.

That makes sense as many many fables and cartoon characters stem from dreams, phobias and neuroses.

What was good here was that every single actor carved out their character. They were so unique.

What was also goo wa this was a really tight and funny script. Cracking one liners and clever references.

Linda cleary knew her characters.

Whether it was Mark Edwards as Pinocchio, Ness Povey and Alice or Doug Sheppard’s Walt Disney they inhabited the role an more.

They were ably assisted by their shrinks (Mike Rees as Freud, S-J Pyne as Fay Tale).

There as also the very clever use of an A-I character in Destiny by Lorna Edwards.

So you felt it was character sweeping across there centuries meeting today and tomorrow’s world.

Ginny Elliston’s Cinderella was a hoot. A high-pitched Stacey Solomon accent with watches and a pumpkin handbag.

We really enjoyed Helen Rees as the Big Bad Wolf. We happen to think that this was the best performance we have seen from Helen. Yes, that was as a cross-dressing wolf but it’s still a compliment.

There was also Grumpy and Happy. A really great spin on two of the Dwarves.

If we have a few criticisms was that by the end of act one (on a very warm evening in Theatre 2) you were wondering where this was going. You were struggling to see the narrative arc.

Each scene tended to peter out rather than end with a punchline or a bang. You were aware that they were all characters in therapy but then you thought..and?

There were also far too many prompts…..

However, the shorter second half was really enjoyable.

It began with Jack (and in Beanstalk) played by Aston Wood. We happen to think that Aston stole the show. Jack being a bit street could have been a disaster instead it was the highlight of the show. Ably assisted by Isaac Wood.

All the characters returned in the second half to conclude their therapy. This also included a SINGO game.

There was something really charming about the second half. There may be a conclusion that therapy can help.

It is testament to everyone that they all carved out their characters so well. The costumes were also fantastic.

This was also a tribute to the great co-operation between the theatre groups. There were members from over ten different groups. No wonder local theatre is thriving in Harlow.

We know many of Linda’s friends from the running community were present on Friday night and will pay tribute to her stamina and determination.

But is also being brave enough to do something out there. This reviewer see such a variety of productions and so this after Brief Encounter but before Lies of The Mind and A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a vital part of the theatrical fabric.

Two hours on the psychiatrist’s couch really made everyone think,laugh and applaud.

Fairapy continues tonight (Saturday May 23rd).

https://playhouseharlow.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873663641