Accidents Happen to Sasha Ellen

• Murray Robertson
• 10 August 2017

This article is from 2017.

A surprise ending makes up for a generally haphazard storytelling hour

This autobiographical tale by Sasha Ellen is a whimsical journey through her 27 years on Earth and deals most significantly with her mother's teenage pregnancy, her own unplanned pregnancy, and the significant consequences of those two events. Since both Ellen and her mother faced similar situations early on in their lives and their various struggles often coalesce during the narrative, it seems odd that she's structured her show with scant regard to chronology.

Ellen is an enthusiastic storyteller, winningly unperturbed by the muted response from her audience. She amiably regales us with gentle stories about her family pretending they've taken her to Disneyland and the numerous pets she's unwittingly killed, while frequently recalling the deadpan counsel she receives from her Russian nana. Few of these stories generate much reaction from the crowd, although the tale of her ill-fated evil dwarf rabbit does yield some laughs.

Although it's by no means a complex story, the haphazard structure sometimes makes it difficult to know where all the pieces fit into place, although a nicely worked rug-pull does bring about a surprisingly touching ending.

Just the Tonic at The Mash House, until 27 Aug (not 14), 8pm, £5 (£3) or Pay What You Want.