Cringe Effect (EdFringe 2024)

Tortive Theatre is delighted to present the UK premiere of Cecelia Marshall's hard-hitting and darkly comedic play, Cringe Effect.

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Cringe Effect opens in the Portland Anorexia Rehabilitation Centre, where Ce, a woman who has battled anorexia for years, confides candidly in the audience. Having reached a desperate point in her struggle, she checks into the centre for treatment. The narrative unfolds, introducing fellow patients and Gabby, the nutritionist, shedding light on Ce's rehabilitation journey with therapist Yara.

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As Ce shares her origin story, we meet her as Cece, a little girl with low self-esteem striving to meet societal expectations. Sammy, Cece's whistleblowing childhood friend, and well-intentioned parents contribute to Cece's evolution into Ce, the anorexic, embodied by a destructive alter ego, "The Bitch." We witness two near-death experiences that shape Ce's tumultuous journey.

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The play navigates Ce's transformation from denial to acceptance, offering a courageous and hauntingly beautiful portrayal of human frailty and resilience. The narrative critiques society's obsession with perfection, weaving a complex story with a sleek set design that brings the engaging honesty to the forefront.

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Cringe Effect masterfully combines humour and confrontation, providing an uncomfortable yet compelling glimpse into a woman's journey through hell and back.

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Ultimately, the play offers a brutal and unforgiving portrait of the poignant victory of human courage over crippling vulnerability.

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The production premiered to sell-out audiences at the Mut! Theatre in Hamburg, Germany in 2022.