Hi everyone, and welcome back to another review!

It’s not very often I come across a show that I’d want to see again — but this was absolutely one of those times.

I had the chance to see Flumps, a brilliant new play by local Essex writer Emma Jo Pallett, starring Robyn Holdaway and Jadie Rose Hobson, and directed by Madeleine Moore.

The story follows two young siblings, Harvey and Felicity, who have been left behind by their mother and must find a way to survive on their own. From trying to get food on the table to bringing home a new pet each day for company, the play explores how Harvey — a teenager — struggles to care for and educate their younger sister Felicity, while also trying to manage their own growing responsibilities and emotions.

This is a story that isn’t talked about enough. Sadly, it’s a situation that reflects the reality for too many children. Robyn and Jadie deliver outstanding performances, capturing the heart and nuance of these very different characters. Robyn, especially, brings real depth to Harvey — you can feel the anxiety and pressure weighing on them, and more than once, I found myself wanting to step in and give them a comforting hug.

From the very first scene, the connection between the actors and the audience was strong. The show pulls you in emotionally, and the soundtrack of early 2000s hits between scenes instantly transported us back in time, adding to the immersive experience.

Flumps is staged in the intimate Mercury Studio, which works beautifully for a show like this. The set design is simple — the inside of a caravan — but highly effective. One of the most charming elements was the use of shadow puppetry, which added a wonderful touch of humour and playfulness. The audience was laughing throughout, yet there were also moments of raw emotion and honesty. Each scene played out like a small story in itself, each one full of hope, struggle, and sibling love.

I loved every minute of this show. It brought back childhood memories, made me laugh, and stirred my emotions. Not many productions can do all that in just over an hour. It’s truly one of a kind. Flumps deserves a much longer run — maybe even a transfer to London’s West End!

Accessibility Review

For audiences with low but useful vision:

This show is well-suited for you. Performed in the Mercury’s Studio space, it’s an intimate setup, so you’ll be close enough to clearly see the actors’ facial expressions, gestures, and props. The main set — the inside of a caravan — is detailed but minimal, and the use of colour, including a patterned rug, is noticeable.

To sit as close as possible, aim for the front row, which is on the same level as the set. Rows A to C also offer a clear and comfortable view. There are some scenes with low lighting and colourful flashing lights during transitions between scenes, but these are brief and not overwhelming.

For audiences with little or no vision:

This production relies heavily on dialogue, which works in your favour. Most of the physical action is either explained through spoken lines or described shortly afterwards. One of the only exceptions is a moment involving the microwave, which may not be described in detail.

There are scenes using shadow puppetry to visually represent action taking place outside the caravan, but these are supported by sound and context within the dialogue.

Unfortunately, there are no Audio Described performances or Touch Tours currently available. This is disappointing, as a Touch Tour could easily be provided due to the simple set and small number of props. I hope this is something the Mercury considers adding in future runs, as it would make the experience far more inclusive.

Final Thoughts

This is a must-see production! I’m excited to see what Robyn and Jadie take on next, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Emma Jo Pallett’s future work — if Flumps is their debut, the future looks incredibly bright!

Flumps runs at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester from 11th–14th June 2025.
Visit The Mercury’s website for more information and to book your tickets here.

Until next time,
The VI Critic

Trailer: