Camden Fringe 2024: A Series of Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis – The Musical at King’s Head Theatre

In an age where pop psychology has become more popular than ever, A Series of Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis puts a provocatively funny euphonic spin on the intricacies of relationships, mental health and taking Freudian theories on face value. The musical follows medical student Fran (Bethan Draycott) as she navigates a burgeoning romance with her library crush, Anna (Anna Mae Zhao), and her friendship with her four charming, well-meaning and eccentric housemates. Fran’s life takes an unexpected and surreal turn when Sigmund Freud (Lara Bulloch) emerges from the pages of her textbook, dressed in kitten heels, miniskirts and Papal regalia, bearing bad news and even worse advice. The spectral Freud follows Fran’s love life through 14 original numbers that dramatically reinterpret the words and actions of those around her through his famously questionable lens.

Written by Alex Rawnsley and directed by Harriet Gill, with musical direction by Isobel Connolly, the whimsically titled production unfolds as Freud’s presence becomes increasingly invasive and Fran’s lighthearted curiosity about psychoanalysis starts to morph into a darker obsession, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. It’s unapologetically coming-of-age and unpretentious – the production’s title is immediately reminiscent of Marisha Pessel’s Special Topics in Calamity Physics (2006), and the imaginary Freud carries himself with a humorous absurdity paired with an underlying sense of authority in a similar manner as the Squip in Be More Chill.

While Fran’s romance takes centre stage, her relationship with her housemates reflects the isolating, coming-of-age experience of trying to find reliable support during a time when everyone else is similarly struggling. Despite their best efforts and intentions, her friends lack the experience or clarity to offer Fran truly sound advice, leaving her vulnerable to the pull of her inner devil for the duration of the play. And while her best friend Xylia (Lexie Turner) is the one who confronts her about the dangers of taking Freud’s theories as gospel, Fran is ultimately the one who has to remove herself from his influence.

With Freud as the devil on her shoulder, preying on her desire for an easy, definitive answer to every relationship challenge, Fran notably lacks an angelic counterpart to provide balance and helpful guidance. There is no personification of virtue or conscience, and the relentless influence of Freud’s ideas about primal instincts and Oedipus complexes is ultimately defeated only by Fran’s realisation that she must navigate her own path and determine her own course. Despite its surreal elements and graceful humour, the “lecture” ends on a surprisingly sober note, grounded in the hard, simple lesson of personal agency as self-determination in the coming-of-age narrative.

Christina Yang
Photos: Kataria Media

A Series of Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis: The Musical is at King’s Head Theatre from 20^th until 24^th August 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.