Dizzy is a thought-provoking and inventive collaboration between Sheffield Theatres and Theatre Centre, written by Olivier-nominated Mohamed-Zain Dada, known for his work on Blue Mist at the Royal Court. Based on conversations with young people across the UK, Dizzy delivers a hilarious, moving, and contemporary narrative that delves into the unbreakable bonds that defy mortality. The play explores grief, memory, and the world of street art through a vivid and fantastical lens. Directed by Rob Watt, Dizzy showcases a versatile and meaningful story that resonates deeply with young audiences.
At the core of Dizzy is Qamar’s emotional journey as she grapples with the loss of her brother, Yasin, also known as Dizzy. As she searches for answers, she encounters Stax, a graffiti artist who had mentored Yasin. Together, they explore the Axis, a dreamlike realm where memory, art, and reality blur. Through graffiti and the underground world of street art, Qamar finds herself confronting her grief while also questioning whether there are ever truly definitive answers to life’s greatest losses. The narrative strikes a delicate balance between deeply emotional moments and lighthearted, comedic exchanges, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout.
Hannah Sibai’s minimalist set design for Dizzy creates a versatile space that transitions smoothly between the real world and the more abstract, imaginative realms of Qamar’s mind. The centrepiece of the stage is a stack of tiered blocks, painted in a vibrant, graffiti-inspired palette of reds, oranges, and blues, reflecting the chaotic energy of the street art world. The design is both simple and visually arresting, with a vent at the top of the structure that releases light and smoke during key moments, adding a dynamic, almost surreal layer to the otherwise minimal set.
Jess Brigham’s lighting design enhances these shifts in tone and setting, using colourful, expressive lighting to guide the audience through the emotional highs and lows of the story. The lighting works seamlessly with Mwen’s immersive sound design, which blends urban soundscapes and atmospheric effects to envelop the audience, especially during the Axis scenes where Qamar becomes lost in her memories and emotions.
The costumes, while understated, add depth to the characters. Qamar’s loose, casual outfit—consisting of a grey headscarf, striped oversized T-shirt, and light blue jeans—reflects her youth and determination. In contrast, Stax’s dark athletic pants and bright red hoodie provide a bold visual contrast to the urban backdrop, symbolising both his connection to graffiti culture and his desire to stand out while grappling with his grief.
Sera Mustafa shines as Qamar, delivering a performance filled with both vulnerability and tenacity. She portrays the emotional depth of a teenager searching for closure while still capturing the humour and resilience needed to navigate such heavy themes. Brendan Barclay’s Stax is a perfect counterbalance to Mustafa’s Qamar, bringing a laid-back charm to his portrayal of a graffiti artist who becomes an unlikely guide in her quest. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, and the dynamic between mentor and mentee is one of the production's highlights. Reda Elazouar’s voice work as Dizzy, though only present in brief moments, adds an ethereal quality to the play, reminding us of the presence of those we’ve lost.
Dizzy is a powerful and engaging production that resonates with both younger and older audiences. Its exploration of grief through the unconventional medium of street art is refreshing, and the performances by Mustafa and Barclay anchor the story with sincerity and humour. Ultimately, the play succeeds in conveying its emotional weight, and with its unique approach, Dizzy has the potential to become a truly standout piece of theatre. A strong four stars.
Dizzy is on at Sheffield's Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse until Saturday 12th October 2024, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
Photo Credit - Chris Saunders
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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