WONDER DRUG: A Comedy About Cystic Fibrosis

This show would be half of what it is in the hands of a less capable writer-performer. Educational but never didactic; real, raw and serious, but never indulgently or self-pityingly so; hilarious, but never in a way that makes you think, "er... Is it okay for me to be laughing at this?". And laugh you will. Charlie bravely - deftly, earnestly- shines a light on the relationship between physical and mental health, the particular anxieties and upheavals of COVID-19 shielding, and what a brilliant show The Crystal Maze is. And it's properly funny. If you've been looking for a show to touch your funny bone and your soul in equal measure, you've found it.

This is a must see show! Charlie in one hour educates his audience and humanises people with Cystic Fibrosis. His own perspectives of living with this long term condition, treatments, management, navigating his way in a new relationship during the pandemic, brings home the realities of dealing with this relatively common genetic condition. Supremely talented young performer!

Incredibly funny and warm-hearted, beautifully performed: I’d never imagined I could laugh so much about cystic fibrosis, or understand so much about it in such an enjoyable way. Fabulous soundtrack. Such a great show!

In Wonder Drug: A Comedy About Cystic Fibrosis, actor Charlie Merriman talks about his illness and how he negotiated lockdowns with it, while trying to consolidate an embryonic relationship via Zoom and waiting for the drug that might ease his condition. Although in the theatre part of the Fringe programme, it felt more like a comedy show, with elements of audience interaction, music and a game show. Despite the light-hearted feel of the show, I learnt something of the illness with potentially serious implications, and although the comedy didn't particularly work for me, Merriman was an engaging performer who got a good reception at the performance I saw.

Are you really great description of cystic fibrosis, and all the horrible things it does to your body thank goodness for modern radiation. Really good acting, well thought out and produced. Do you go and see the show, if you have the time.

Inspirational performance and revealing description of the impact of cystic fibrosis from birth. A must see show. One for us to remember.

This is my outstanding highlight of the fringe so far (and I have seen quite a few shows). It is deeply moving - informative - life affirming - and so, so funny. I particularly loved all the drug characters - and of course Jean - the faulty gene.

Charlie is a really charismatic and very talented writer and performer - and hope to see him in more stuff in the future.

A thought- provoking funny show which wecthourghly enjoyed. We came away with some appreciation of how a life- limiting illness effects in an everyday way. Thank you Charlie for making us laugh and teaching us a little but of your reality. Definitely a great show to go to!

A thoroughly entertaining one man show about determination, hope and love in a struggle to overcome adversity. Charlie Merriman is a talented actor and writer who lives up to his surname, bringing wit and humour to bear on his story. This was a five star performance that left us more than grateful to be alive and breathing.

We were approached by Charlie and won over by his spiel, but it’s safe to say we weren’t sure what to expect. Would it be excessively worthy?
Turns out our fears were groundless. This is a moving, life affirming show that really deserves to be seen.
It’s not heavy, there’s plenty of laughs, so no reason not to watch!

This has been one of my favourite shows in the fringe so far. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I found myself swept up by the story and I learnt a whole bunch about cystic fibrosis along the way. It was surprisingly uplifting and funny! Love the 80s soundtrack (which, by the way, you can follow on Spotify - it's brilliant!)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An amazing show, incredibly well written and accompanied by the best 80s soundtrack.
I learnt so much during this show and charlie seamlessly weaves education with heart and emotion.
It's a Ted talk in a lot of ways, but at no point feels like you're having information shoved in your face.
A MUST SEE!

Very good! - can def recommend.