BATMAN REVIEWS

Naomi Westerman brings a high-concept, multifaceted journey through grief to VAULT festival. Incorporating elements of game shows, choose-your-own-adventure and audience suggestions, Batman (AKA Naomi’s Death Show) spans silliness to poignance. This is a deeply moving show, impactful by the nature of its material, however made thought-provoking and uplifting thanks to Westerman’s careful crafting. This is a show that codifies Westerman’s own familiarity with grief, but invites the rest of us into the experience, elevating immersive theatre into a therapeutic experience.

https://everything-theatre.co.uk/2023/03/review-batman-aka-naomis-death-show-vault-festival/

So authentic is Naomi’s delivery that we don’t want to interrupt such a raw monologue. In fact, in this performance, so engrossed are we in the story that Westerman herself has to sound the ‘bat signal’ to tick off the remaining sub-plots. Even in the more improvised audience interactions, the actor is quick-witted and receptive to our responses, indulging in both light-hearted jokes and dark humour. Meanwhile, audience members being invited to come up and light a candle in memory of a loved one in “communitas” is a beautifully touching moment in the show.

https://liamodell.com/2023/03/04/batman-aka-naomis-death-show-review-vault-festival-leake-street-london-waterloo/

The story itself is at times harrowing, but often peppered with hard-won humour in Naomi’s part. [...] Moments like this demonstrate the power and humanity of Westerman’s work. Not only a bold, insightful playwright, Naomi is also a stellar performer.

https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-batman-aka-naomi-s-death-show-vault-festival

it is an intense experience, cathartic in a very unexpected way. We were even given an opportunity to light a candle for a lost loved one at one point, which was a very sensitive and emotional addition to the show. A wonderful experience full of intense emotions, unexpected revelations, and the understanding that we all grieve in different ways.

https://www.shinylife.co.uk/2023/03/22/batman-naomis-death-show/

The production treads a very fine line, balancing light-hearted silliness with an emotionally devastating tale and which makes for a memorable experience.
The transformation upon entering storytelling mode is astounding. Westerman completely captivates the room and the outside world dissolves as she recounts her experiences with a rawness, vulnerability and focus which is inescapable. Batman (aka Naomi’s Death Show) is an incredibly moving production which packs an honest and powerful emotional punch. Be prepared for this one to stay with you well after the lights rise.

https://www.thereviewshub.com/batman-aka-naomis-death-show-vault-festival-london/