Fast Review

November 4, 2024

Fast Review

29th October – 17th November 2024

Halloween is more consistent with well-dressed children politely trick-or-treating with their better-dressed parents – as was the case in Highgate anyway – these days, but as FAST began, there was something suitably spooky about the howling of the wind and melody of the harmonica.

This is 20th century America, boys. Dr Linda Hazzard’s book Fasting for the Cure of Disease is dividing the nation while luring people, including sisters Claire and Dora, to her sanatorium in Washington.

“…it is thought-provoking, mind-boggling, disturbingly fascinating, and superbly brought to life by the extraordinary cast”

Turning her back on traditional, male-dominated medicine, Hazzard champions a vegetarian diet; weekly enemas and abstinence from alcohol. Patients sign themselves up for a minimum of six weeks and although Hazzard reiterates that they have paid to be there, she is very persistent in getting them to sign up in the first place.

The following hour and 45 minutes raise several interesting points including the difference between a doctor and a saviour; the concept of paying to be there; and the idea of constantly trying to better oneself – a notion that is particularly prevalent in this day and age.

In fact, the similarities between what Dr Linda Hazzard was promoting a century ago and the propaganda we are fed by the $5.2 trillion wellness industry today are particularly frightening.

A special mention must go to Sarah Thom whose portrayal of Hazzard was exceptional and gripping. At the end of the play, my friend and I both admitted to avoiding her eye contact as she approached the audience because we were so perturbed by her character.

However, there is no sugarcoating it. FAST is not an easy watch and at points, particularly during the second act, it is incredibly harrowing.

Yet, at the same time, it is thought-provoking, mind-boggling, disturbingly fascinating, and superbly brought to life by the extraordinary cast. So, if you have the chance to pop to Upstairs at The Gatehouse before the 17th November, it will certainly be worth your while.