LOOKING FOR GIANTS: A STORY OF DESIRE AND OBSESSION 

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.ua ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

As you take your seat, you notice the smoky room, dimly lit stage, mic and single stool immediately set an intriguing tone – you know Looking For Giants is going to be good. The intimate atmosphere draws you closer to the action, making it feel as though you’re about to witness something deeply personal. Abby McCann quietly appears, then quickly captivates you, commanding attention with her quiet intensity as she paces around the edge of the stage, catching the audience’s eyes, silencing the room. All eyes are on her.

The monologue unfolds in three parts, each recounting a tale of obsession: one with a university tutor, another with a dating app match, and the third with a school crush. McCann perfectly brings Cesca Echlin’s story to life with painfully human vulnerability, humour, varied tone, and pace, while using the microphone to distinguish between characters. Her vivid storytelling makes you feel like a fly on the wall, drawn into her world and innermost thoughts.

The first story sets the tone as McCann recounts a charged meeting with her university professor after being ill-prepared for her thesis. What begins as academic tension quickly morphs into a thrilling, forbidden dynamic, as her obsession takes root in the power imbalance between them and his change in attitude towards her. 

As the stories progress, it becomes clear that McCann’s internal monologue blurs reality and fantasy, exposing how profoundly her imagination shapes her perceptions. That this is less a story about the men in her life and more an exploration of introspection, fantasy, sexual identity, and the intoxicating pull of obsession. The clever interplay between her thoughts and reality keeps you constantly questioning what is real and what is imagined. 

Looking for Giants is a testament to McCann’s power of storytelling in its purest form and the skilful lighting design of Skylar Turnbull Hurd and Abigail Sage perfectly emphasises each emotion shown. I do however feel the transition between the second and third story could have been more distinct to better clarity and engagement. 

With no interval, the hour-long performance flows seamlessly. The theatre offers a large range of snacks and drinks, with post-show refreshments providing the perfect finishing touch, inviting you to reflect on the show’s themes. Content Warnings: Mentions of sex, sexting, pornography and references to masturbation.

Looking For Giants is running at King’s Head Theatre until 26 January.

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Photo Credit: WoodForge Studios