In a bold challenge to conventional theatre, a revolutionary production is placing creative control firmly in the hands of its learning-disabled star. Perfect Show for Rachel, an award-winning variety show, is built entirely around the tastes and decisions of 35-year-old Rachel O'Mahony, who directs the onstage chaos each night from her custom-built control desk.
The Woman in Charge
Rachel, who has learning disabilities and lives in a care home, shows little interest in the show's five-star reviews and critical acclaim. Her own delight is what truly matters. The production was specifically tailored by her younger sister, Flo O'Mahony, to suit Rachel's unique personality - her love for Kylie Minogue, fart jokes, and spontaneous entertainment.
During performances, Rachel sits at a special tech desk alongside her mother, Wendy. Using 39 large buttons, she commands a cast of thirteen performers, choosing which silly skit, game, song, or dramatic lighting change happens next. The cast might find themselves fired, sent to bed, or performing a "snack cabaret" where they dress as Rachel's favourite treats at her whim.
From Personal Struggle to Public Triumph
What appears as pure comedy actually conceals deeper political frustrations. Flo O'Mahony, who runs Zoo Co theatre company, admits she initially worried the show seemed "too silly" to convey her anger about government policies affecting disabled people in care homes during the pandemic.
"All that sits underneath the show," Flo explains. "You can't come to see it and not think we've grappled with the political exclusion and ableism in our industry." The family experienced this exclusion firsthand when they were separated from Rachel for months during lockdown.
The production's development involved exploring different communication methods to ensure Rachel felt understood and could effectively lead. The team worked with Lee Simpson of Improbable theatre, adopting an approach where they "say yes to what Rachel gives us and assume it's perfect or wise."
Beyond the Stage: Changing Lives and Perceptions
The show's impact extends far beyond the theatre walls. Staff at Rachel's care home report her language has "expanded exponentially" since the productions began. She now makes more decisions about her daily life and initiates conversations more frequently.
Wendy observes that Rachel has grown bolder over time, increasingly interacting with audiences and sometimes pulling them onstage. A recent addition - a window for waving to boys in the audience - safely acknowledges Rachel's flirtatious personality, challenging assumptions that learning-disabled people don't experience attraction.
The production faces significant financial challenges as Arts Council funding and support for disabled people face cuts. Flo notes that while people want to recreate this experience, they expect to do so "for 20% of the price."
Perhaps the most telling success occurred during the family's annual Christmas visit to their local pub. After most villagers had seen her show, Rachel finally felt comfortable attending. "She networked her ass off," Flo laughs, "because the show is a lesson in 90 things you could talk to Rachel about."
As Wendy perfectly summarises: "You've spent time in Rachel's world without expecting Rachel to come and be in your world."
Perfect Show for Rachel tours nationally throughout 2024, with performances confirmed at Contact theatre, Manchester (19-22 November); Queen's theatre, Hornchurch (5-7 February); Sheffield Theatres: Playhouse (18-21 February); Birmingham Rep (10-12 April); Oxford Playhouse (13-16 May); and Leeds Playhouse (27 May-6 June).
