Fixing - play review

When thinking of a drag show, it's unlikely that your first idea would be a mechanic navigating the garage. However, Fixing is Matt Miller's intriguing conception that combines a range of theatrical elements to portray a cocktail of humour laced with meaningful undertones.

With 'holistic car care' as her motto, audiences are introduced to Natalie Spanner - Matt's drag alter ego, and teacher of all things automobile. Quickly establishing interaction with those looking to learn (and being very respectful of others that are more keen to just absorb the atmosphere), some naturally amusing volunteers embrace the innuendo and motoring lesson at hand. However, a lot more is on offer, as Natalie is here to give support for those more 'hard to reach' places... inviting us into their world where there's no way of driving away from the past traumas and difficult moments that end up shaping a person.

Swept up in a world of innocence, Matt presents their childhood as one of uncertainty, but immense adventure. Their memories are jumbled - some faded, others as sharp as can be. When their parents divorced, their rocky relationship caused a shifted dynamic for Matt and their little sister Ruby, too. Despite clear financial hardship and mental health struggles (only apparent through the retelling of events it seems, thus unknown for the children at the time), their dad bought a classic car, with the hope that it would spark an interest in Matt for them to revitalise it together, but they never did. Fixing seems to be a journey of healing more than anything else; an understanding of how to look after ourselves and note to pick up the jump leads to help others if possible too, in this ever-turbulent life.

Incorporating drag not only acts as a physical 'mask', but sheds light on the coping mechanisms that provide a persona away from the embodied in struggles. Similarly, with the abundance of funny quips and silly audience actions, these are a creative way to engage and entertain with storytelling, weaving in a mixture of subtle and more overt complexities referenced. Being a little 'rough around the edges' given the solo nature of switching between roles while causing the least amount of chaos as possible, the vibe thoroughly reflects well the feeling of getting progressively overwhelmed with the increasing issues, regardless of how many times you try to 'fix' it.

In just an hour, Matt, performing theirs and Peader Kirk's co-creation work, has you in the palm of their hand. Opening much-needed discussions about connectivity and togetherness through conflict, both with ourselves and others, Fixing delves into self-identity and the need for gentle maintenance, to keep our engines running smoothly. This thought-provoking production provides a whiplashing contrast so you never know quite what to expect next - you may be simultaneously considering big social questions, while collectively pretending to be car pistons with people you've never met before. A uniquely brilliant and thoroughly entertaining experience, if that's your thing.