Norfolk audiences are set for an evening that promises laughter, honesty and genuine connection as comedian and actor Joe Tracini brings his deeply personal one man show Ten Things I Hate About Me to Norwich Theatre Playhouse on 22 June.
Following strong demand, an additional performance has now been announced, giving even more theatre lovers the chance to experience a show that has been winning praise for its openness, warmth and humour. The performance comes shortly after the broadcast of Tracini’s Channel 4 documentary Me and the Voice in My Head, which offered viewers an intimate insight into his lived experience with mental health.
For many people, Tracini is already a familiar face. Known for his television acting work, quick wit and hugely popular social media presence during lockdown, he built a loyal following through videos that combined humour with vulnerability. His new live show takes that same honesty and brings it directly to the stage, creating something that feels both personal and universally relatable.
Ten Things I Hate About Me is not a traditional stand up set. Instead, it blends comedy, storytelling and reflection into a performance shaped by Tracini’s experience of living with Borderline Personality Disorder, a condition he was diagnosed with a decade ago. While the subject matter may sound heavy, the tone of the evening is anything but bleak.
The show explores how thoughts and emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, while also celebrating resilience, humour and the strange ways people learn to cope with life’s challenges. Tracini approaches serious themes with warmth and sharp comic timing, allowing audiences to laugh while also recognising something truthful beneath the jokes.
What makes the performance stand out is its balance. The material never feels like a lecture or a therapy session. Instead, it unfolds as a human story told with candour and self awareness. The humour comes from lived experience rather than punchlines alone, creating moments that feel both funny and disarmingly real.
In recent years, conversations around mental health have become more open, and shows like this demonstrate how comedy can play an important role in that shift. By speaking openly about his own journey, Tracini helps remove stigma while reminding audiences that vulnerability and laughter often sit side by side.
The intimate setting of Norwich Theatre Playhouse provides an ideal backdrop for a show built on connection. Known locally for hosting innovative performances and welcoming touring productions that bring something different to the region, the venue has long been a favourite among Norfolk audiences seeking theatre with personality.
An evening here rarely feels distant or formal. Instead, the Playhouse offers a close up theatrical experience where performers and audience share the same emotional space. For a show centred on honesty and storytelling, that atmosphere makes all the difference.
The announcement of an additional performance reflects the strong appetite locally for live comedy that goes beyond the expected. Norfolk audiences have consistently supported artists who combine entertainment with authenticity, and Tracini’s show fits perfectly within that tradition.
Part of the appeal of Ten Things I Hate About Me lies in how it challenges expectations. A comedy show based around mental health might seem an unusual concept at first glance, yet Tracini’s approach transforms difficult experiences into something uplifting. The result is an evening that encourages reflection without ever losing its sense of fun.
Those familiar with his online videos will recognise the same playful energy that first captured widespread attention. His ability to find humour in everyday struggles has resonated with thousands of people across the UK, and seeing that personality translated into a live theatre environment adds another dimension entirely.
Audiences can expect storytelling that moves between hilarious observations and thoughtful moments, creating a performance that feels spontaneous and genuine. It is a reminder that comedy does not always need grand spectacle to leave an impact. Sometimes the most powerful performances come from a single person sharing their story with honesty and humour.
As live events continue to bring communities together, evenings like this highlight the importance of theatre as a shared experience. Laughter in a room full of strangers has a unique power, particularly when paired with stories that encourage empathy and understanding.
With tickets now released for general sale following early access demand, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of Norwich’s most talked about comedy nights this summer. Whether audiences arrive as long time fans or simply curious theatre goers looking for something different, the evening offers an opportunity to enjoy comedy that feels refreshingly human.
For Norfolk’s cultural calendar, the arrival of Joe Tracini’s one man show represents more than another touring performance. It is a chance to experience comedy that embraces life in all its awkward, complicated and joyful reality.
Location: 42-58 St Georges St, Norwich NR3 1AB
Website: https://norwichtheatre.org/