23.47°C For most people, breathing, blinking, and swallowing happen without a second thought. For Colchester playwright Jazz Ely, they became the inspiration for a new play.
Ely has lived with somatic OCD since childhood, and that experience sits at the heart of Breathe…, produced by Colchester company 3wishes theatre CIC and returning to the Mercury Theatre Studio as part of this year’s Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender.
The play follows Sam, who is planning to start a family with her partner, Callum. Instead, she finds herself overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts as Michael Burst-Your-Bublé and his band of breathers bring her fears to life.
“For most people, these vital functions are automatic,” 3wishes explains. “But for Sam, the central character, it’s like drip torture – and very real for Jazz the writer, who has battled with somatic OCD since childhood.”
The company describes Breathe… as “a theatrical experience with music, movement and laughter”, adding: “Be prepared for a deeply emotional struggle as we lay bare the hidden cost of OCD.”
Founded in Colchester, 3wishes theatre CIC has been creating theatre in the city for more than 25 years. Since becoming a community interest company in 2024, it has continued to develop new writing and reinvest its profits to support local creative talent.
Last year, the company received the Keep Colchester Cool Award for Best Colchester-based Company or Artist for its production of 4.48 Psychosis at Colchester Fringe.
The cast features Dean Bartholomew, Ed Ismail, Shania-Grace Thompson, Adrienne Thornley, Lisa Wakely and Claire Walkinshaw.
Breathe… will be performed at the Mercury Theatre Studio on Thursday 23rd July at 7pm and Saturday 25th July at 4.30pm.
Event Details
Venue: Mercury Theatre Studio, Balkerne Gate, Colchester
Thursday 23 July – 7pm
Saturday 25 July – 4.30pm
Running time: 55 minutes
Age guidance: 16+
Tickets: £12
Please note the production contains strong language, flashing lights, haze and themes that some audience members may find distressing.
Tickets for Breathe… and the full Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender programme are available via the official festival website.
You can read the Keep Colchester Cool guide to the weekender here.
