Karen Review
19th March – 23rd March 2025
Sarah Cameron-West nails it.
She’s the writer, the star and the producer of a laugh-cry-a-minute fast-paced comedy treat KAREN. Karen is her nemesis. She has stolen the Protagonist’s boyfriend Joe in the office where all three work. Absurd, hilarious and highly acclaimed KAREN returns to London’s The Other Palace exactly a year on, following sell-out runs across the country including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It’s a welcome return for a huge talent.
“Sarah Cameron-West nails it”
Centred around a storm of heartbreak, this achingly funny show tackles the internal turmoil of the Protagonist as she struggles through a chaos-filled office narrative.
A bold one-woman production, fuelled by pent up rage, awkward encounters and a healthy dose of sarcasm, KAREN is brought to life by Sarah Cameron-West who wears her heart and her heartbreak on her shirt sleeve.
This barely an hour long show – amazing how time flies when you are roaring with laughter – breaks
through the etiquette of office politics, and into the world of naked emotion, jealousy and rage. We’ve all been there, whether it’s the stolen yoghurt or the stolen lover.
After a four year love affair – that also blossomed in the workplace – the Protagonist expects a marriage proposal any time soon. Instead she faces a very public humiliation after she finds Karen’s bejewelled lacy red thong in their bedroom.
This ultimate betrayal unleashes a feminine rage, repressed outrage and a spontaneous identity crisis. Joe, with impeccable timing, breaks up with her on her birthday at Alton Towers, leaving her with a massive mortgage, house plant and newly painted scarlet nails.
And at a professional crossroads. Promotion and a move to New York both beckon. But how to heal the heartache: blind dating, speed dating, being stood up all take their toll. Is therapy the only route? Ranting, raving and screaming at the ocean all have their merits.
If you are wondering how can this litany possibly be funny you can rely on Cameron-West’s gleeful wit.
She turns chaotic love life (or loveless life) into a sparkling, fun-filled performance peppered by mocking
irony.
Cameron-West’s script uncovers the empowerment of owning your emotions.
Directed by Evie Ayres-Townshend Cameron-West presents a modern-day Bridget Jones, who favours big
knickers rather than racy thongs
KAREN, says Cameron-West, highlights the struggle of the universal experience of heartbreak.
The Protagonist deflects her emotions through humour and sarcasm. The underlying message, delivered through slick, honest humour, is that the only real way to heal is by tackling emotions head-on.
KAREN diverges from the classic one-woman show format by shattering the fourth wall to engage with the audience, making them characters in her world. KAREN builds up to a cathartic explosion where our Protagonist finally confronts her nemesis.
Writer, Actor & Producer Sarah Cameron-West
Director Evie Ayres-Townshend
Lighting Designer Oliver McNally
Sound Designer Sarah Spencer
Set Designer Roisin Jenner
Movement Choreographer Jules Chan
Photos © Dylan Woodley
Gill Martin
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