Witty, bold and straight to the point, Lois-Amber Toole’s solo show SLAY follows a lass from the North East as she tries to escape her traumatic past.
Armed with self-defence spray, a PTSD diagnosis and an accent that sometimes elicits condescension, Kit moves to London to try and build a new life away from her Geordie roots. Working in a posh seafood restaurant and trying to stay safe from predatory men, the self-described former “pick me girl” is determined to leave her past behind. That is until a text from her ex sends her spiralling.
Toole shines in the role of Kit, who is sassy, warm and likeable. Presenting everything as superficially peppy – despite the dark undertones that are evident – the audience can of course see through the facade and to the frightened young woman underneath. Despite the fact that she is in therapy, Kit’s coping mechanisms veer from the fantastical to the unhealthy, putting up a positive front on social media while in reality she is battling an disordered eating and terrifying flashbacks.
Developed from her earlier work, Post Traumatic Slay Disorder, Toole’s script is well-written and full of nuance, drawing on conversations around misogyny and consent while spotlighting the impact on young women’s mental health. Sometimes the pacing feels a little off, but she is always able to keep the audience on side, while the commentary on trauma and accountability certainly hits home.
The strong script and central performance make Toole’s SLAY an engaging hour. While offering a window in to one woman’s journey, it serves up a powerful counterpoint to the manosphere content so often focussed on when talking about young people’s challenges.
By Deborah Klayman
SLAY plays at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh until August 31st 2026.
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