You and Me (and Whoever Comes Next) at Summerhall Arts is a touching story about Keron (Keron Day), a disabled man who needs another full-time personal assistant after his latest one quit, and Dani arrives as his newest assistant and the first few attempts of humour by Keron fall flat.

Keron decides that he loses so many PA’s due to him believing that he is too demanding. This time, he is going to change his behaviour and demands in order to make sure that Dani stays, as he really likes her.

Keron decides that he is going to be open with Dani, and he recalls a whistle-stop tour of past PA’S and why they didn’t work out.

I can understand why he does it, as when you rely on someone to be there all the time, it must be daunting and unsettling knowing that they can leave at any time without warning and you are faced with starting a new once again. So, by being upfront, hopefully, they will stay longer and bring some stability.

The play is based on the real-life experiences that Keron has faced living independently away from home. Facing the harsh disabled benefit cuts and the changing faces and personalities of his various PA’s.

The hardest part to witness is a horrendous account of a sexual assault that happens while they are out. The perpetrator is conveyed by an offstage voice, and no matter how much Keron calls out, people around him do absolutely nothing, leaving him vulnerable until Dani returns and takes care of the situation. It’s shocking to realise that they are people out there who do this sort of thing.

I was absolutely appalled to learn that this wasn’t a one-off either. Why anyone would think this is acceptable is beyond me. I felt anger and sadness to think Keron had gone through this and potentially will again. If you ever see anything like this, speak out. Don’t be a silent observer.

It is an incredibly moving theatre production that talks about difficult situations with honesty and care that unless you have first-hand experience of, then you’re unlikely to know much about what happens.

The cast have a wonderful rapport on stage and check in with each other frequently to make sure they are ok to continue. Their friendship is the centrepiece of this touching and honest production.

For more information about You and Me (and Whoever Comes Next) and other productions across Edinburgh Fringe, please use the link below.

Five Stars.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/you-and-me-and-whoever-comes-next

The show is co-written by disabled artist and activist Keron Day alongside Alex Howarth and Helen Chong.