The Fan Carpet were in attendance at Last Night’s Performance of Sarah Hanly’s PURPLE SNOWFLAKES AND TITTY WANKS

‘The habit creeps up on me out of nowhere, like a sheep on a country road in Limerick.’ - Sarah Hanly

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the penultimate performance in this run of Sarah Hanly’s Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks, I had already interviewed her for the show, so I had an idea what to expect, so I was somewhat prepared, but on seeing the show, I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations from start to finish.

Presented as a sort of ‘Dear Diary’ type show (more on that later), Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks starts strong, and the first line just slaps you in the face in a good way and Sarah doesn’t hold anything back.

Sarah effortlessly moves from one character to the next and back to herself, in a powerful and brave semi-autobiographical show that pulls on your heart strings with the heavy subject matter of eating disorders and mental health, but achieves an astonishing balance with humour.

As I mentioned above, Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks is presented as a ‘Dear Diary’ type, in which the segments of the show are broken up with Sarah starting with a date and speaking to her childhood friend Saoirse, who was experiencing what Sarah was experiencing at the time, it was incredibly moving and once again I must reiterate how brave it is for Sarah to bring these subjects, that are considered taboo, to light.

Clocking in a 45 minutes, Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks leaves you wanting more, it is entertaining and thought provoking bringing to light some very sensitive subjects, wrapped in a nice bow of Irish humour, ending on a powerful note, I’d imagine that there is more story to tell and I would be front and centre again if she ever did do a follow up to Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks or whatever form it takes next.

Sarah doesn’t shy away from letting it all hang out, ending with another standing ovation, audience reaction was a mix of tears and laughter, Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks has its final show tonight at Theatre N16 in Balham, however that show just like all in this run at Theatre N16 have Sold Out, luckily there is another chance in November to sample this incredible show at the Arts Theatre in London’s Leicester Square.

Photography by: Lexi Clare Photography • Words by: Marc Jason Ali (5 Stars)

The following websites provide advice and support for anyone affected by any of the themes in the performance of Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks.

Eating Disorders @ B Eat

Mental Health @ Mind

Grief @ Cruse

Helpline @ The Samaritans

Dealing with Bereavement @ UK Care Guide