Perfect Show For Rachel
‘Why can’t more theatre be like this? Open, relaxed, fun and full of love’ - The Guardian
Co-produced by Zoo Co and Improbable
Rachel is a theatre-loving, enigmatic, learning-disabled 35 year-old who loves Kylie, heckling her sister, and seeing people falling over. At the touch of a button she commands the action, each scene brought to life by a skilled cast ready for whatever she asks of them. From bar room brawls to a bourbon biscuit cabaret - get ready, this is Rachel’s Perfect Show.
Perfect Show For Rachel is a “joyous celebration of theatre without the rules” (The Stage 4*) combining physical theatre, live music, family memories, massive fights and fart jokes in an electric, moving and triumphant tapestry.
Step into Rachel’s unique, often hilarious world in this critically acclaimed show.
“A disarming labour of love” in The Times (4*)
Read Flo’s introduction to the show
Listen to Flo and Lee chat about making Perfect Show For Rachel
Perfect Show for Rachel was developed with Rachel, to create a show on her own terms. It explores who defines artistic taste, and questions who that currently excludes winning OFFIE for Best Access 2023. Created by Zoo Co Theatre, a multi award-winning company creating theatre that loudly champions access. Zoo Co won the Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award in 2022. Created in collaboration with Improbable, a pioneering company of improvisers and theatre-makers who have been making ground-breaking work for the past 25 years. Proud winners of Producer of the Year at The Stage Awards 2023.
Supported by Arts Council England. The original production of Perfect Show For Rachel, winner of the 2022 Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award, was supported by the Trust and the Barbican.
Creative Team:
Rachel O’Mahony Director
Flo O’Mahony, Performer and Co-Artistic Director of Zoo Co
Fleur Rooth Performer and Creative Access Director of Zoo Co
Lee Simpson Performer and Co-Artistic Director of Improbable
Stella Backman Set and Costume Designer
Rachel Sampley Lighting and Video Designer
Sophie Woolley Dramaturg (BSL)
Simeon Campbell Choreographer
All images below by Ikin Yum
Upcoming Performances
Warwick Art Centre, 7 - 8 October 2025
Contact Theatre Manchester with S!ck Festival, 19 – 22 November 2025
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, 5 – 7 February 2026
ON SALE IN AUTUMN
Sheffield Theatres, 18 – 21 February 2026
Birmingham Rep, 10 – 12 April 2026
Oxford Playhouse, 13 – 16 May 2026
Leeds Playhouse, 27 May - 6 June 2026
Press and reviews:
“Why can’t theatre be more like this? Open, relaxed, fun and full of love” ★★★★★ The Guardian
“A joyous piece of anarchic knockabout fun”
★★★★ The Stage
“A disarming labour of love” ★★★★ The Times
“This is a theatrical experience unlike any other, crafted with accessibility at the helm... it’s a joyful space facilitated that enables Rachel to share her memories and interests in real time. Her direction is intentional, resulting in wildly funny scenes and heartfelt memories.” ★★★★ Broadway World
