Hen and Chickens Theatre – until 13th September 2026
Reviewed by Mike Linane
3***
There Is A Light And A Whistle For Attracting Attention is a one-woman play written and performed by Henri Merriam which shows a woman looking back on a relationship, sifting through love, doubt, and the romantic stories she grew up believing. It is a journey from self-doubt to clarity.
This is not an easy play to watch as the central character appears to have no redeeming characteristics. We watch her recount as she desperately tries to hold together a marriage that has already obviously failed though neither of the two people involved want to admit it to the other. The woman becomes a neurotic mess on the verge on a nervous breakdown as she tries to keep the relationship together at all costs. It is really no wonder what her husband decides he wants out.
The simple stage setting becomes more and more of a mess as the play progresses in line with the story being told. At times the woman tries to tidy things up, put things back in drawers, brush things under the carpet… but will she succeed and will the marriage survive or fail her efforts?
Henri Merriam has written and performs a play that is an uncomfortable watch. I’m not sure who the target audience is as this is most certainly not a play that leaves you thinking you were pleased you went to see it as it is all about failure and desperation – but if that’s the sort of play you like then this is perfect for you.
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