Dancing, Drugs, and Dark Deception: A Wickedly Funny Trip with Partying with Manson.

“A hilariously twisted dive into ’60s nostalgia, cult madness, and the fine line between lost and dangerous.”

This dark comedy begins with one of the Manson family’s central figures, Susan Atkins’ stark confession: “You do a lot of crazy things when you’re eighteen. I killed Sharon Tate.” From this jarring introduction, the audience is taken on a journey through the tumultuous 1960s—a period marked by political unrest, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture movement. Atkins, portrayed by the incomparable talents of Helen O’Connor of Crownies, Packed to the Rafters and Rake fame, is a teenage go-go dancer lost amidst the chaos that becomes susceptible to Charles Manson’s apocalyptic vision, illustrating how individuals can be drawn into extraordinary evil.

The show takes a lighter, comedic approach, focusing more on the time period and Atkins herself rather than Manson directly. Judging by the audience’s reactions, those who lived through the ’60s and ’70s will find plenty of nostalgic moments to relish—whether it’s the signature dance moves of the era, like the “jerk” and the “monkey” (which, as a millennial, were completely new to me), psychedelic acid trips, or the ever-present wave of U.S. patriotism (the latter being memorable for all the wrong reasons).

Pulling off a one-person show is no easy feat—let alone embodying both a lost, angsty teenager and one of the world’s most sinister cult leaders—but O’Connor delivers a spectacular performance. She seamlessly transforms between the naive and impressionable Atkins and the darkly manipulative presence of Charles Manson, switching effortlessly while keeping the audience fully engaged.

There’s no elaborate set design, no high-tech soundscapes or dazzling lighting effects—but none of that is needed. O’Connor’s commanding stage presence and immersive performance are more than enough to hold your attention from start to finish.

For those interested in a raw and immersive theatrical experience that explores the dark allure of cults through a darkly comedic lens, Partying with Manson offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness it all through the eyes of Susan Atkins—one of Manson’s most infamous followers.