Electrolyte by James Meteyard with music by Maimuna Memon

Written by James Meteyard with music from Maimuna Memon; Electrolyte is an interesting, forward-thinking piece of gig theatre which uses live and original music, spoken word and rap to communicate the themes of suicide, mental health and psychosis.

From the outset the theatrical conventions are established as we learn that Jessie (the lead character) is the ‘loveable type, never after a fight’. During these opening moments she uses rhyming couplets and direct address as she narrates and holds focus, while introducing the other characters and setting the scene.

Through Meteyard's textual choices a jovial connection is quickly established with Jessie's character. The audience becomes invested in Jessie's story, we naturally empathise as it unfolds at a rapid rate. An emotional roller coaster concerning serious mental health issues culminates in a climactic ending.

However, Jessie's closing speech seems contrived and so risks detracting from the effective delivery of the serious mental health message. Jessie returns to her narrator role from the opening moments and so the connection is a little lost with the protagonist. From a forward thinking script demonstrating how mental health issues can be underlying and maybe missed by others, this final moment feels slightly weak in an otherwise strong, hard-hitting well written and developed plot.