Please Shoot the Messenger-The Hope Theatre.

Please Shoot the Messenger, playing at The Hope Theatre is a fun and witty solo show written and performed by Rachael Dowsett. A deadly plague hits the kingdom, and the young prince is ill, so the King sends his newest messenger (Rachael Dowsett) to all doctors to find a cure. The eager young messenger has long dreamed of holding this exalted position. Little did he know about the curse and that no one had been able to hold this position for more than 90 days.

After a cringe-making interview with the King, where the messenger is overcome with nerves and shyness and mystifyingly transforms into a dog (you had to be there!), he sets off on his quest. Mother had said that anything could be achieved; provided he didn’t act his silly stupid self.

Desperately wanting to please his superiors, he enlists the help of a range of characters; there are plague doctors, misbehaving monarchs and previous messengers. Each provides him with an insight but treats him as a nobody and rather stupid to boot. After some moments of self-awareness, and not wishing to give away the ending, the narrative ultimately reaches a conclusion.

There is no denying that Rachael Dowsett is a very talented performer. She quickly morphs into each of the roles both vocally and physically making them believable.

The play is an engaging and light-hearted production that proves highly effective within the intimate setting of a black box theatre. The script is sharp, funny and marginally bonkers, exactly what you want from fringe theatre.

3 ½ stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Playing at The Hope Theatre 13th – 15th August 2025

Tickets and further information can be found at the link below