Humans are possibly the only animals who spend significant amounts of time worrying about their meaning and purpose instead of food and water. We could be grateful that we are alive and haven’t fallen down a lift shaft or some other physical horror, but very few of us are. Our solutions for this angst tend to involve becoming so good at something that we are acknowledged for it by our peers, earning enough money to buy impressive objects, or connecting with a higher power.

Karen Hall’s profession (potentially) combines all three.

She became a cellist because the most popular girl she knew was a cellist. The popular girl eventually becomes so popular she gives it up and becomes a cautionary tale. Another odd thing about humans is that we also revere behaviour that is of no benefit to anyone whatsoever. Classical music is not particularly popular (although it has its moments), but it is high status. It confers fame on a few musicians and composers, and the rest struggle though pain and teaching gigs. But they are part of something bigger that has lasted, and likely will last. You may never have tried to learn anything about Bach, but you’ll recognise ‘Cello Suite No. 1’, that Hall uses to punctuates the show.

Hall needlessly worries about memory, telling us that we forget 60 to 80 percent of everything we hear within twenty-four hours, but that ignores our subconscious, where everything we experience can swirl about and come back in new and interesting ways. Nothing is wasted, however much we yearn for something else.

Hall’s backup plan, is clowning, a more direct version of the holy fool who gives up their life to master a craft, a jester, who tells ‘truth to tradition’. This unexpected combination adds playfulness to the gravitas of the music without detracting from it, and adds levity to the poignant aspects of her career dilemma. She could widen out her exploration of the meaning of work. Even people in jobs with better career ladders and no realistic prospect of fame can hit the same feeling of pointlessness.

Despite the slightly narrow focus, this is an entertaining show that gives an insight into the lives of musicians, especially the ways in which they can be exploited, and is informative in a fun way. With very few props Hall keeps the action moving, eating a sandwich, disappearing into a dress, demonstrating her on the road exercise routine. Karen Hall is a performer of great warmth and charm, who has mastered the art of captivating an audience.

‘Delusion and Grandeur‘ is at Summerhall – Red Lecture Theatre until Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 10:45