Previous Reviews

Raw yet playful and utterly compelling, Dear Eliza is fringe theatre at its best.
— British Theatre Guide

It is a difficult task to capture the audience as beautifully as Diesel does, but boy did she achieve that spectacularly.
— Adventures In Theatreland

It’s definitely worth seeing this unique and authentic piece of theatre. It brings to the spotlight what needs to be said about the things no one wants to talk about.
— Backstage Bristol

Barbara Diesel’s performance was captivating from start to finish and I can’t wait to see what she produces next.
— A Youngish Perspective

She had us hooked on every single word she said… This is a must watch performance.
— Better Than Words

Diesel is very engaging. Direct, intelligent, frank and bold. Her pragmatism is both magnetic and truthful and we feel stable in the telling of her story of unstable mental health.
— North West End UK

Intimate, edge-of-your-seat, darkly funny and captivatingly vulnerable…an unmissable project.
— The Leopard News, Goldsmiths University

A hidden gem of Greater Manchester Fringe.
— Lostintheatreland

Writer and performer Barbara Diesel gives a fascinating, raw performance. At one point she claims that conversations around mental health are boring, but it is a testament to Diesel’s performance that at no point in this play is that true.
— Robbie Carnegie

Dear Eliza has a very specific remit, but does the good job it set out to do, with an important message about really looking out for your friends.
— Chris Neville-Smith

Audience Reviews

A stunning and raw performance that will pull on your heartstrings in all the right ways. A solo performance requires real talent and Barbara did not disappoint with this show. An incredible portrayal of repressed emotions, done expertly through laughter and heartbreak. Unlike anything I’ve seen before and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.

Dear Eliza is an incredible one-woman show that beautifully balances the seriousness of its topic with hope, humour and a lightheartedness that compliment each other so well.

The acting is touching, the lines are gut wrenching and the overall play keeps you at the edge of your seat every single second, while also managing to be incredibly funny to someone that has been through the struggles portrayed in the story. 10/10!

A truly spell binding show that grabs the audience from start to finish to the point that it is hard to hold back the tears at times. Very moving and emotive. Highly recommend.

An incredible moving brilliant performance by a very talented young lady. Through letters the story unfolded of mental health difficulties and the devastating impact it can have. Humour is injected into the story , with some laugh out loud moments. Beautifully performed , with Barbara commanding the stage with her captivating presence. Can’t wait to see future shows from this rising star.

Barbara’s ability to implant her emotions within the audience was natural and inviting. As a one person show, the stage never felt empty or missing anything. I left feeling reflective but also satisfied because she touched on some of the thoughts that I didn’t realise I have had. I would recommend this play to anyone. Truly brilliant.

Really well written and expertly delivered, really worth a watch

This one-woman show makes you laugh, cry and think hard. A great piece exploring the intricacies of mental health and grief
- @ameliarslater

One of my favourite theatre experiences in a long time.
- @shayster57

Dear Eliza is a real triumph! Its bluntness and lack of apology in a climate of delicate discussions about mental health are cathartic.
- @cicilambo

Absolutely superb piece of work with an expertly delivered performance, the intricacies and emotional beats are all portrayed with finesse and the ending is a complete subversion of an expected portrayal.

An incredibly powerful piece sharply interrogating the current societal conversation around mental illness. Barbara’s performance has you hooked on every word, the light and shade of the script expertly brought to life onstage. I laughed and I cried, within mere seconds of one another. What an amazing piece - thank you for exploring these vital subject matters.

Absolutely stunning piece of theatre. Very moving and thought provoking. Absolutely must see.