Partying with Manson offers a gripping look into the life of Susan Atkins, a key member of the Manson Family. The show opens in darkness, building suspense before Helen O’Connor steps onto the stage to portray Atkins. From the moment she introduces herself, the audience is drawn into a powerful narrative, exploring a dark chapter of American history.
 
As hard as she might try, Susan Atkins still can’t explain why she murdered Sharon Tate. It's all an acid-tinged blur, but then again, why wouldn’t it be? Set against the backdrop of the turbulent sixties, her story is not just about an individual in crisis, but about an entire society divided against itself.
 
Clad in white knee-high boots and a form-hugging sequined dress, Atkins traces her life as an abused child, runaway, Go-Go dancer, stripper, drug addict, cult member, and convicted killer. Partying with Manson might be a one-woman show, but it’s about a woman who lived at least seven different lives.
 
In the hands of playwright Stephen Sewell, the script is a standout, masterfully crafted to delve deep into Atkins’ psyche and the disturbing dynamics of her relationship with Charles Manson. It explores the moral complexities of the Manson Family while keeping the audience engaged and thinking long after the show ends.  Sewell doesn’t make excuses for his anti-heroine, but his words are historically accurate and searching, as if they come from a genuine need to understand her.

Helen O’Connor’s performance is mesmerising. She doesn’t just portray Atkins; she fully embodies her, capturing both her vulnerabilities and darker traits. O’Connor rejects any romantic notions about herself or the world around her. The only exception is Manson, whom she describes as a ‘blue-eyed angel’ with a voice like ‘honey and rat poison.’ She giggles off past traumas as if they were bird droppings on her shoulder. 
 
O’Connor’s nuanced delivery brings depth to the character, making her more than just a notorious figure, but a complex and human one.

Ultimately, Partying with Manson is an exceptional theatrical experience, blending brilliant writing with a powerful performance. It not only entertains but also prompts reflection on themes of power, manipulation, and psychology. This is one of the most accomplished and thought-provoking shows at the Adelaide Fringe and a must-see.