by guest critic Amy Toledano

To say that Assmonkey: In Conversation is a show like any other at the Vaults is doing it a disservice. Original, laugh-out-loud funny, and at times touching, this show, created and performed by Sophia Del Pizzo, is something not to be missed.

Assmonkey is an interactive comedy piece dealing with the delicate subjects of anxiety, depression and mental health. In saying that though, the show itself is anything but delicate, often referencing masturbation and diarrhoea. Del Pizzo also uses the medium of video to speak directly to the audience which keeps us interested and entertained throughout.

Del Pizzo has given her anxiety the name ‘Assmonkey’. Throughout the show we discover that she has been working hard to improve herself. She is trying to overcome the anxiety that cripples her on a daily basis, and has found the best way to do so is making it more tangible.

It is worth mentioning Del Pizzo’s skilled character work. She introduces us to various different personalities including a cat-obsessed, middle class, yummy mummy and a Russian “doctor” who brings a member of the audience on stage in order to experiment with feelings of anxiety.

Assmonkey: In Conversation is a show full of stand up comedy, songs, dance, yoga and will move you when you least expect it.

Assmonkey: In Conversation runs through 11 February