Review: Starshore at the Alma Tavern Theatre

An utterly captivating solo performance with compelling storytelling

After the thunderous applause from the sold-out house finally died down, Marcus Sahir, the playwright and solo performer who had spent an hour bringing us Starshore, revealed that it was the first time he had performed it.

It was a surprising revelation because the flawless one-hour performance was utterly captivating and theatrical perfection.

Starshore is the account of two people who have left in-patient care following treatment for anorexia. They have become firm friends and as part of a celebration of recovery, they go on a long hike, wild camping along the way.

Eventually they end up at the coast, where a cliff top incident makes the audience sit up in their seats.

It would be an utter shame to reveal too much of the story because it would spoil it.

Sahir is a compelling storyteller. Through humour – which has a lot of neurodivergent energy – and poetic language, Starshore brings together themes of anorexia, mental health difficulties, trans life, blue space and the journey of recovery. It’s tied up with a woman who embraces the rush of danger and excitement. And a man from the city who didn’t even see a cow until adulthood, attempting to camp.

Sahir’s writing is well developed, bringing us flawed but rounded characters. Everyday life meets mental health difficulties which invade the periphery at night. Calories in menus swirl into a place that challenges the road of recovery.

Come the end, there’s the sensation of peacefulness – even if it’s a temporary reprieve from a life-long journey.

The themes within the Starshore are extremely relevant, bringing a unique and honest perspective to complex mental health difficulties in an engaging and accessible way.

Starshore is at the Alma Tavern Theatre until Thursday 09 July 2026.

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/2231929

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