Nosebleeds ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I had one when I found out. Just as I saw my mum pick up the phone.’ When war breaks out in Ukraine, a young person starts to get nosebleeds. A lot. It’s all they think about. These nosebleeds aren’t just nosebleeds, they are signs of grief, danger and uncertainty. In this story of self discovery, this unnamed narrator goes to lengths to come to terms with why they are getting so many nosebleeds and what they truly mean? Nosebleeds is a hysterically heartbreaking story of a young person trying to navigate guilt, shame and conflict between both home countries. Join this narrator on a journey of battling family dynamics that parallel the conflict happening thousands of miles away.

The direction by Aemlia Jean Crabtree is clear and concise, guiding the story with a steady hand. The staging feels authentic and natural throughout, allowing the performer and text to take centre stage without unnecessary embellishment. For the most part, the choices made feel thoughtful and well judged, though there was one slightly contradictory moment that briefly disrupted the otherwise cohesive storytelling. That said, the overall direction supports the piece beautifully, maintaining a strong sense of intimacy that works perfectly within the space.

The set design embraces simplicity in the best possible way. Consisting primarily of a bench or crate surrounded by fields and a white sheet taped to the floor for drawing, it creates a flexible playing space that feels both imaginative and grounded. The minimalism works extremely well for this kind of storytelling; nothing feels overdesigned, and the focus remains firmly on the narrator’s journey. Sometimes the most effective design choice is knowing when not to do too much, and this set strikes that balance nicely.

Video design follows a similarly restrained approach. The opening sequence, featuring a montage of photos and distinctive typography, sets the tone effectively and immediately draws the audience into the story. However, the “blue” section later in the piece felt slightly less impactful by comparison and didn’t quite reach the same level of clarity as the opening moments. Still, the video elements overall add texture to the production without overwhelming the performance.

Lighting proves to be one of the show’s strongest storytelling tools. The design subtly guides the audience through shifts in mood and memory, helping to shape the emotional rhythm of the piece. The only issue I had was some of the transitions were snap transitions and I personally would have gone for a more subtle fade for a few of them. Despite this i’s a thoughtful and well-executed design that supports the narrative in meaningful ways.

The book by Katrine Renee Reoutov is where Nosebleeds truly shines. The writing is sharp, funny, and deeply reflective, creating the sense that the narrator is speaking directly to each audience member. The humour lands beautifully, often emerging in unexpected moments, and the central themes of identity, grief, and cultural conflict are explored with honesty and nuance. The story is gripping and emotionally resonant, encouraging audiences to reflect on the personal impact of global events.

However, there are a couple of elements that felt slightly less successful. The colouring on the floor didn’t seem to add much to the storytelling and ultimately felt somewhat unnecessary. Additionally, while the piece eventually reaches a powerful emotional core, it takes a little time to fully arrive there. The opening sections, though engaging, could potentially benefit from tightening and heightening tension to bring us into the heart of the narrative slightly sooner and more impactfully.

The performance by Katrine is a remarkable achievement. Carrying a largely solo piece requires immense stamina, emotional range, and connection with the audience, and this performer delivers all three with confidence. They shift effortlessly between humour and vulnerability, which feels both relatable and deeply authentic. There is a genuine sense that the story is unfolding in real time, which keeps the audience completely invested from start to finish.

Nosebleeds is an intimate, thought-provoking piece that demonstrates the power of theatre done well. With strong writing, a compelling performance, and thoughtful technical design, the production creates a moving exploration of identity, guilt, and the ripple effects of conflict. While a few elements could be refined, the emotional honesty at the heart of the show makes it a deeply engaging experience. Funny, poignant, and quietly devastating in all the right ways — the kind of theatre that lingers with you long after the lights come up.

🎟 Link to book tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vaultcreativearts/1640651