Lizzy Sunshine⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When her partner doesn't show, Lizzy Sunshine makes the audience her co-star. She promised a two-person show. She got... you. Expect a show packed with gags gone wrong, big characters and something real just beneath the surface.

From the moment you enter the space, it is clear this is not going to be your standard sit-quietly-and-politely-clap kind of evening. Audience members are invited to write their name tags before the show even begins, immediately breaking down the barrier between performer and audience. What follows is a wildly interactive and unpredictable experience that thrives entirely on participation, spontaneity and embracing a little bit of chaos.

Makena Reynolds’ direction feels well-suited to the piece and understands exactly the atmosphere the show wants to create. There is a warmth and openness to the production that makes the audience feel instantly comfortable, which is vital for a show so dependent on crowd interaction. While there were moments when the direction could perhaps have pushed stylistically or felt more visibly present, the relaxed, inviting tone allows audience participation and improvisation to remain at the heart of the experience.

The set design perfectly captures the production's playful spirit. The stage is scattered with yellow props and costume pieces, alongside a microphone, a dressing room table complete with a pink tablecloth, makeup, a lamp, a deck of cards, and a wonderfully cosy black fold-up chair finished with a sunshine pillow. It feels intentionally homemade and full of personality, creating a welcoming environment that perfectly matches the show’s joyful energy. It is essentially part dressing room, part game show, and part serotonin boost.

The projections help establish the show’s upbeat atmosphere from the moment the audience enters. A striking, positive image greets the audience before the performance begins, immediately setting the tone for the evening. Several slides used throughout are genuinely hilarious and work brilliantly. Some of the projections used during transitions could perhaps be more visually engaging, but overall, they add another layer of charm to the production.

Costume-wise, the show fully commits to its bright, joyful aesthetic. The heavy use of yellow throughout works incredibly well, giving the production a consistent visual identity. It is bold, cheerful and impossible not to smile at. Honestly, if sunshine became a wardrobe, it would probably look something like this.

At the centre of everything is Liz Coin, who delivers an absolutely brilliant performance. She is instantly welcoming, endlessly engaging and brings a huge amount of energy to the stage throughout. Her ability to connect with the audience feels effortless, which is essential in a show so heavily reliant on improvisation and participation. Comedically, she is consistently funny, with jokes landing naturally throughout the performance. However, what makes her performance particularly impressive is her ability to shift emotionally at will. When the show asks for sincerity or vulnerability, she ensures those moments land with genuine impact.

The book by Liz Coin is difficult to define in traditional terms because so much of the show is shaped by audience interaction and improvisation. However, what remains constant throughout is the warmth, humour and emotional honesty embedded within it. The jokes are consistently hilarious, and the show never takes itself too seriously, which adds to its charm. Beneath the games, chaos and laughter, there is something incredibly comforting about the experience. It feels like a show designed to let audiences switch off from the outside world for a while, embrace silliness, and enjoy themselves.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the production is its audience dependence. No two performances will ever be exactly alike, as the audience becomes part of the show itself. The games and interactions keep the energy high throughout. While audience participation can sometimes feel intimidating in theatre, here it feels genuinely inclusive and playful rather than forced. Thankfully, there is no compulsory stage invasion required.

So, this is a funny, heartfelt and chaotic theatrical experience that fully embraces improvisation and audience participation. Led by an incredibly charismatic central performance from Liz Coin, the show creates an atmosphere that feels welcoming, joyful and genuinely uplifting. While some technical and directorial elements could perhaps be pushed further, the warmth, humour and unpredictability of the production make it a hugely entertaining night out that leaves audiences smiling long after they leave the theatre.

Lizzy Sunshine is currently playing at the Drayton Arms Theatre until 23rd May. More information can be found via this link: https://thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk/lizzy-sunshine