Patient 13 is a show of two halves: initially it follows Gail Thomas’ battle with cancer – with appropriately uncomfortable descriptions of symptoms and consequences. Setting up her persona – independent, passionate and bold – it seems to offer low stakes despite the seriousness of the subject. Thomas’ perky and sardonic attitude to the medical profession is personable and entertaining but like the romantic relationship that accompanies her illness, there is a lack of serious commitment.
The real purpose of Patient 13 comes in the second part of the monologue: Thomas participates in a clinical trial for psychedelic therapy. It is clear that this is the message of the show: a little more than simply advocating for drug use, it does affirm the transformative potential of (appropriately medicated) magic mushrooms and Thomas describes her single trip in loving detail and explains how this has changed her perception of life for the better.
The two elements are connected biographically but hardly emotionally: if the first thirty minutes are a straight-forward medical melodrama, the finale is a poetic song of praise to psychedelics (taken in a sensible context). Thomas is a winning raconteur and what the show is lacking in consistency, it recoups in charm.
Patient 13, ZOO Playground, until 30 Aug (not 17, 25), 2.20pm