Groundbreaking Comedy ‘Perfect Show for Rachel‘ Empowers Learning Disabled Performer, Transforms Audiences
Manchester, UK – A critically acclaimed and award-winning comedy, Perfect Show for Rachel, is challenging perceptions of learning disability and fostering genuine connection through its unique creative process. The show, starring Rachel O’Mahony, places her firmly in the director’s chair, with the production team prioritizing her input and celebrating her outlook. What began as an experimental project has blossomed into a touring phenomenon, leaving a lasting impact not only on Rachel but also on the communities it reaches.
The success of Perfect Show for Rachel isn’t measured by attempts to change Rachel, but by the reciprocal changes observed through attentive collaboration. According to Tina, a staff member at Rachel’s care home, Rachel’s language skills have “expanded exponentially” since participating in the shows, leading to increased decision-making power and more frequent initiation of conversations. A testament to the show’s community impact, the entire staff and residents of Rachel’s care home attended a performance in Brighton, proudly sporting “Rachel’s fanclub” T-shirts. The team has further extended this collaborative spirit by leading a project at the care home,empowering other residents to take on directorial roles.
The production’s impact extends beyond Rachel’s personal growth. Flo O’mahony, Rachel’s sister, recounts a pivotal moment at their village pub: “She networked her ass off,” Flo laughs, “because the show is a lesson in 90 things you coudl talk to Rachel about. They just had so many ways in.” Neighbors and new fans approached Rachel with shared interests – a “fart joke or asked about Kylie” – demonstrating a newfound comfort and willingness to engage. Wendy, a member of the creative team, emphasizes the show’s core principle: “You’ve spent time in rachel’s world, without expecting Rachel to come and be in your world.”
Perfect Show for Rachel will be performed at the following venues: Contact theater, Manchester (November 19-22); Queen’s theatre, Hornchurch (February 5-7); Sheffield theatres: Playhouse (February 18-21); Birmingham Rep (April 10-12); Oxford Playhouse (May 13-16); and Leeds Playhouse (May 27-June 6).
