Theatre Review Look After Your Knees Playhouse Theatre, Sheffield

‘Look After Your Knees – A show about the pain and beauty of getting older, sprinkled with joy and ridiculousness. Performed by a clown delving into the space inside us left behind by loss.’ The show was co-created by Natalie Bellingham and Jamie Wood and performed by Bellingham.

It’s an interesting and unique production about the absurdity and challenges of modern-day survival, using comedy as a vehicle to explore themes that are difficult to discuss. 

The sparsity of the stage set suited the intimate layout of the Playhouse, but was used to great effect. Natalie entered the stage to a warm reception and her first comment was about the size of the audience, which covered all 3 levels of the auditorium. She commented on how numerically it was ‘a lot’ whilst lamenting it was also ‘a lot’. We knew what she meant, but the self-doubt seemed at odds with her natural stage presence. However, this is a key component of the show; a jarring rollercoaster of emotions which moves without warning in the opposite direction.

The narrative is both rapid and relaxing without being jumbled. There are poems and musical interludes, mixed with interpretive dancing. The dialogue moves from abstract reflection to searing anger in the blink of an eye.

It is worth noting that Natalie’s mother died in 2020, the impact of which is evident in this show. A solo show exposes the actor to the audience regardless of the production, but one that touches on intimate personal grief is courageous and should be commended. 

What makes the show enjoyable, and the 75 minutes pass so quickly, is the warmth and honesty of Natalie Bellingham, who has clearly been through ‘a lot.’ Despite this, the general tone was one of levity with many funny and lighthearted moments. I liked the analogy of wearing your clothes now because they won’t fit or be out of fashion soon. But the overall sentiment is hope and gratitude for those around you and the overwhelming message that you are in control of your own life.

Oh, and don’t forget to look after your knees; you will miss them when they are gone.

Production Run (Playhouse Sheffield): Wednesday 12th November 2025

Reviewer - Matthew Burgin

On - 12 November 2025