Review: Ickoholics Anonymous

**Picture**: Lucy Lucia (Lucy) at ‘stage 4’ in *Ickoholics Anonymous (Image: Creative Futures Photography)*

A one-woman show about how to deal with the ‘icky’ stage of a relationship doesn’t sound as if it is going to be entertaining. But, trust me, Ickoholics Anonymous is a witty, well-observed, cabaret showcase of the writing, acting, singing, and comic talents of Lucy Lucia. Ickoholics Anonymous is definitely worth catching, but you will have to be quick as the second and final PIP Theatre Toucan Club show is on Saturday 7 December.

Playwright and performer Lucy Lucia stars as Lucy, in a show that might, just possibly, draw on the lived experience of this talented artist. Dating is hard, particularly when there are stages to go through in romantic relationships that, apparently, inevitably lead toward the ‘ick’ precipice. So how to get through or round this stage, and build a long-lasting relationship? For Lucy, Ickoholics Anonymous is the place to go for compassionate advice and understanding; the opportunity to ‘share’ with fellow addicts and sufferers, hoping to eventually survive ‘the ick.’ For anyone not familiar with Generation Z (‘Gen Z’) lingo (language) or slang, the ‘icky’ stage of a relationship is where attraction turns to disgust—possibly shortly after what I guess we will all soon be calling a ‘delu’ (delusional) phase.

At this point you may just feel that this is not a show for you—perhaps because it sounds as it’s ‘just’ another show about the angst of a lovelorn 20-something, using language you don’t understand and portraying situations you no longer relate to. Certainly, George Orwell didn’t quite get the timing right; the compression of language doesn’t appear to have completed in 1984, but it’s certainly full steam ahead in 2024.

But don’t worry; Lucy has a PowerPoint and is used to translating for the older generations/grandparents. The story is also punctuated with illustrative musical theatre moments. My favourite songs of the night had to be ‘yearning’ (a lovely song about early infatuation), “Jenny Wenny” (an excellent piece about love), and the amusing ‘I can hear the bells’ (the delusional ‘planning for the wedding’ moment). Lucy Lucia has a strong musical theatre voice, and great stage presence.

Of course, as with every successful one-person show, there is a team of supporters and fellow creatives. Libby Harrison (Director) makes sure this show is fast paced, with clear communication, and a great use of the PIP Theatre space. The opening night sound was spot on—including the Fortitude Valley station echo—and I loved the work on piano (Hamish Elliot, Sound Designer & Operator, and Nate Stevenson, Pianist). Lighting worked well (Will Toft, Lighting Designer, and Charlie Graham, Lighting Operator), and congratulations also to Ava Moschetti (Stage Manager).

Post-show chatter and laughter is a great indicator of a show that will sell-out on the fringe festival/cabaret circuit. As the opening night 45 minutes flew by, I can also see that this show, with the addition of a few other performers, could form the kernel of a full-length play. The challenge would be whether the work would be so well-received without Lucy Lucia in the lead role.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture**: Lucy Lucia (Lucy) explaining ‘the ick’ in *Ickoholics Anonymous (Image: Creative Futures Photography)*

Audience information: Ickoholics Anonymous (only two shows, final performance 7 December 2024, 2:30pm), PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton QLD 4064. 45 minutes. Tickets $30-37 (or include in the Toucan Club 21 November-21 December ‘two shows for $50’ deal).

The reviewer attended the 6 December 2024 5:30pm performance.

Geoff Lawrence