How Do You Sleep at Night?

First of all, how do you sleep at night?

Excellent question, because there are a million things that can keep you awake at night – you want to sleep, but at the same time you don’t or simply you can’t. Last night, I was at the Bristol Old Vic to see their Young Company’s production of How Do You Sleep at Night? It was exactly the kind of work that I love: a production by young people, for young people.

Sleep seems to be such a natural, integral part of our daily routine that perhaps we don’t even think that much about it. But the show places this centre stage and beautifully offers a multi-dimensional exploration of it through the perspective of young people. The production is made up of monologues, with each character sharing their own experiences of sleep and sleeplessness – from their pre-sleep ritual to the many distractions that keep them awake.

The show invites us into the private space of the bedroom – a place seemingly offers privacy, peace and comfort, yet one that is so easily intruded upon by our thoughts. Excitement, embarrassment, worries, regrets, to name but a few. I deeply resonate with many of the things said in the show. Whilst it is an invitation for us to look at sleep, the play is also about growing up, the very thing that often makes sleep harder to come by.

I loved how the production enables each character their moment to shine and tell their story. There is a bit of dancing, guitar playing, humour, but above all, honesty. The show is an honest reflection of young people’s encounters with sleep, sleeplessness and growing up, and last night the Young Company did a splendid job delivering those heartfelt, truthful accounts. I especially loved seeing the well-balanced range of personalities and experiences on stage.

A huge well done to the immensely talented cast and everyone involved! With Bristol being a university city full of young people, I highly recommend this to all who sleep well at night and especially to those who don’t.

How Do You Sleep at Night? is at the Bristol Old Vic until Saturday the 17th.

Goodnight! X