Marshmallow Me | Old Joint Stock Theatre

Marshmallow Me, which is directed by Scott Le Crass and performed by Rosie Pepper, is a one-woman whirlwind that strikes a balance between raucous comedy and raw vulnerability. Performed in the intimate Old Joint Stock Theatre, the show feels like it falls into two distinct halves — both equally compelling, yet drastically different in tone.

The first half is a fast-paced, energetic comedy, following Ruby, a small-town girl moving to London to pursue her dream of becoming an actor. She paints vivid, hilarious pictures of creepy housemates, the terror of a mouse in the flat, and the chaos of juggling multiple jobs with disheartening audition stories. These moments are brought to life with exaggerated characterisation, rapid-fire dialogue and infectious gusto. Pepper’s performance is relentless and skilful, switching between characters and scenarios with ease.

Yet, every now and then, the rhythm is broken — punctuated by flashing lights and a jarring soundscape of traffic. At first, these moments felt like fleeting representations of anxiety, the kind that buzzes quietly beneath the surface of big city life. Only later did their full meaning become clear.

In what felt like the beginning of a second act, Ruby’s life unravels. Isolated and exhausted, she makes a surprise visit home, only to find her childhood boyfriend in bed with someone else. Seeking comfort, she turns to her sister Lauren — and reveals she is battling bulimia. From here, the tone of the piece shifts. It retains its energy and quick character transitions, but there’s a new weight behind the words. The humour gives way to honesty. As Ruby sits centre stage and speaks directly to us, her final message is crystal clear: people develop different strategies to cope with life — and all of them deserve respect.

This second half is powerful, eye-opening, and quietly educational in its exploration of eating disorders. It never veers into sentimentality, instead offering a nuanced and deeply personal insight into recovery and resilience.

A striking design choice includes a collection of mismatched suitcases, cleverly used throughout as tables, chairs, props, and costume storage — each one a metaphor for the emotional and physical baggage Ruby carries. At times, sound design could have been more polished (notably a phone call SFX that continued after the call was answered), but this minor issue didn’t detract from the overall impact.

The show is raising money for SEED, an eating disorder support service, and it’s clear that this production is rooted in compassion and lived experience. It moved the audience around me — I heard sniffles all around, followed by hushed, unanimous praise as the lights came up. We had witnessed something vulnerable and powerful.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a “marshmallow” is someone who lacks courage or confidence. In Marshmallow Me, nothing could be further from the truth.

Marshmallow Me has been touring around the UK and will transfer to London's Old Red Lion Theatre from 27th-31st May 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Harry Elleston