Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The best medicine
JAMES WALSH is therapeutically disrobed by a disarmingly attentive exploration of harsh truths and nonsense
BJORK-ESQUE ELFIN ALIEN: Julia Masli [Andy Hollingworth]

Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Soho Theatre

Can a clown save the world? 

This probably wasn’t what Julia Masli, an Estonian performer trained by the notorious Parisian pedagogue Philippe Gaulier, had set out to achieve with her latest. Still, you never know. Masli always aims high, with seemingly limitless reserves of care, poise, and life-affirming naivete.

And after an hour of this staggering, beautiful, and heartfelt show, your correspondent is a convert to the idea of free Masli on the NHS. It’s called ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, but it was never supposed to be funny — or so its author claims. Instead, a Bjork-esque elfin alien, Masli in a typically ludicrous outfit, attempts to solve the audience’s problems, whether big or small, serious or inconsequential.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
5ht
Theatre review / 21 May 2025
21 May 2025

MARY CONWAY is stirred by a play that explores masculinity every bit as much as it penetrates addiction

comedy
Comedy / 12 May 2025
12 May 2025

JAMES WALSH has a great night in the company of basketball players, quantum physicists and the exquisite timing of Rosie Jones

BBC EAT YOUR HEART OUT! The winner of the competition, Sam E
Culture / 7 April 2025
7 April 2025
'We’re a long way from Live At The Apollo and interchangeable telly panel shows here, and I mean that in the best possible way,' writes JAMES WALSH
TOMORROW'S WARRIOR: Nubya Garcia
Live Music Review / 19 March 2025
19 March 2025
GEORGE FOGARTY is mesmerised by the messages made when jazz is played by people who grew up steeped in jungle and hip-hop