12

Review by Jude

⭐⭐

Currently playing for a limited run at the Studio at New Wimbledon, 12 follows Mel (Catrin Mai Edwards), a twenty-something who returns to her childhood home while struggling with OCD, compelling her to count everything twelve times. As she navigates personal frustrations, from her best friend’s seemingly perfect life to the irritating customers at the coffee shop where she works, Mel begins to question the structure of her world.

A key challenge of the play is its tendency to tell rather than show. Much of Mel’s experience with OCD is conveyed through direct, fourth-wall-breaking exposition, rather than being woven into the action. A more compelling portrayal could have been achieved through silence, tension, and the physicality of compulsions, allowing the audience to feel the weight of Mel’s need to check and re-check. A visually-driven approach could have replaced heavy exposition with moments of quiet internal struggle, drawing the audience deeper into Mel’s psyche through subtle physical cues such as hesitation, restless energy, or the stillness of resisting a compulsion.

At times, the portrayal of OCD feels exaggerated, with certain moments verging on discomfort and diminishing the gravity of the condition. A more nuanced exploration would have added complexity, making Mel’s struggles more authentic and relatable. This approach would have fostered a greater emotional connection with her journey, rather than creating a sense of distance.

Catrin Mai Edwards, however, delivers a committed performance. In this one-woman show, her energy and dedication to the role are evident. A particularly noteworthy element of the production is the integration of Welsh in both dialogue and audio. This cultural inclusion provides a unique opportunity to experience an important aspect of Wales' linguistic heritage.

While 12 deserves recognition for tackling an important subject, a more subtle and refined approach would have allowed for a nuanced and relatable exploration of OCD.