Are you too fed up with the monotonous grind of daily life and capitalism? Then Yoz Mensch’s latest show Abomination will surely hit home. Abomination is a hilarious and poignant look at how daily life can impact our mental health, sometimes leaving us feeling like Frankenstein’s monster.

Abomination follows the tale of two different roommates, both grappling with the ramifications of daily life and how these emotions can affect the people around us. Yoz captures the monotony of capitalism and how it only gives its best to those who can afford it. Are you struggling? The machine can and will replace you. It’s a bleak truth but Abomination expresses these ideas in a way that feels both relatable and amusing. 

One standout scene includes Yoz frantically typing a report in a moment of almost hysteria, expressing their love for their job. This continues, the gears shifting in the background as the audience begins to realise the length of the scene and the constant repetitiveness is intended. Amusing, it also becomes a simple yet powerful representation of how far we will go to pretend we are okay. 

The overall performance is only enhanced by the talent of Yoz. Yoz is captivating to watch on stage. A one-person show, their ability to switch from each character and to make them distinctive is impressive.  They command the room with their presence, the audience fully absorbed in each scene, eager to see what happens next. They have created a show where they’ll have you clutching your sides from laughter and then pull at your heartstrings at a moment’s notice. And you will be happy to be on this rollercoaster of emotion.

However, a content warning must be issued. Abomination explicitly depicts themes such as suicide and suicidal ideation which may be sensitive topics for the audience. Audience discretion is therefore advised.

Yet Abomination tackles these ideas with care. These moments are never played for laughs and are shown the utmost respect. Rather the audience is sympathetic as we learn the motivations. This includes a powerful scene where one of the roommates likening himself to Frankenstein’s monster; feeling as if they too are made of all sorts of different parts.  

And yet there is hope, no matter how bittersweet. Abomination shows us that even when relationships change or become difficult, we can still honour ourselves and honour these people in a way that feels meaningful to us. Sometimes we have to learn to embrace our Frankenstein parts. Four stars.