MY LITTLE PHOBIA
Aug 4-10, 12-17, 20-24 - Greenside @ Riddles Court Emily Markoe's My Little Phobia is a refreshingly unique comedy that transforms the unsettling world of emetophobia—the extreme and debilitating fear of vomit—into a comical yet introspective piece of theatre. As Emily cleans her childhood bedroom, her crippling fear of vomit looms over every moment, however she has support from her childhood therapist, Dr. My Little Pony What unfolds on stage is a chaotic ride where reality and imagination blur within even the theatre itself. By weaving in familiar 90s references as she explores her old room and using the intimate setting of that childhood room as the stage, Markoe taps into a shared cultural memory. For a condition that might not be immediately relatable to many, these nostalgic elements allow the audience to connect with her experiences, while also emphasising how childhood influences continue to shape our adult lives. Markoe’s personal experience with OCD and emetophobia gives My Little Phobia its authentic power. By drawing directly from her own life, she infuses the performance with depth and sincerity, making the story not just entertaining, but also profoundly real and impactful. Beneath the laughs, there is a genuine connection that underscores the importance of personal narratives, highlighting again the growth of neurodivergent storytelling at the Fringe—arguably more than at any other arts festival in the world. The result is a story that is both engaging, insightful and emotionally universal. 4/5 Lee Hutchison |