Anna Hale is a force of nature in Control Freak, a witty, relatable musical comedy about perfectionism, dating disasters and the anxiety of holding it all together. She claims to welcome audience participation but take some advice: don’t you dare. Commanding the stage with her main-character energy, Hale delivers the ultimate bossy protagonist. Her powerhouse voice is the show’s crowning glory; she’s clearly destined for bigger stages, and her original songs are irresistibly clever, bouncing between laugh-out-loud funny and quietly poignant. Hale seamlessly blends vulnerability and wit in equal measures.

Control Freak takes us on a whirlwind tour of Anna’s life, from her awkward teenage years to her present-day struggles with love and self-sabotage. A parade of would-be boyfriends all meet the same fate: rejected or cancelled by her relentless control issues which escalate into panic attacks and, eventually, therapy. You’ll laugh and also wince in recognition as her journey progresses. Blending stand-up, storytelling and knock-out musical numbers, Hale crafts a brilliant exploration of the chaos behind perfectionism and the messy, beautiful process of letting go. Hilarious, moving and flawlessly performed, Control Freak is a triumph, packed with warmth, humour and star power. 

Anna Hale: Control Freak, Pleasance Courtyard, until 24 August, 5.30pm.