Review: B.L.I.P.S.

Performed and co-written by Australian acrobat Margot Mansfield, B.L.I.P.S. is an account of her experiences with 'brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms'. Using physical theatre, audio and footage of her younger self, she raises awareness of a lesser-known condition with humour, confidence and hope.

Mansfield began experiencing BLIPS when she was 19 and soon realised that she needed help. With the support of her family and friends, she slowly wrapped her mind around what was happening to her, and now she’s ready to tell her story. Alexa and Siri provide definitions of relevant terms, such as psychosis, delusions of grandeur and paranoia, while Mansfield acts out the frustration of sleepless nights, when she lies awake worrying about the detrimental effects of insomnia.

The show is light-hearted and fun, particularly the interaction with the audience who are invited to, literally, have a taste of her. At some points, the physical elements of a show fit the narrative, like zoomies at bedtime, however, the acrobatics and hula hooping mostly feels a bit shoe-horned in. 

While the show is educational it lacks emotional punch, and without establishing that connection, it’s less impactful than intended. But B.L.I.P.S. is nevertheless an interesting and original show about a woman who has learned to manage her condition on her own terms.