Upcoming Performances: Friday 13th March 2026 7pm at Harlow Playhouse

“…a powerful, honest, and beautifully performed piece. McGran’s story is one of hope and resilience. When we identify, name and confront our demons, we create the possibility for transformation” - Joshua Sofaer.

Operation Shrink

Written and Performed by Ella McGran

"This show is in a class on its own: intellectually rigorous, unendingly generous, concise, emotional, and urgent. Operation Shrink is not only a powerful story about disordered eating and the specifics of the disease faced by so many young people, but also about the greater societal troubles regarding self-image and peer pressure which impact all of us. I highly recommend this tremendous and important work." - Brian Lobel

Welcome to Operation Shrink...

A real and honest story; Operation shrink delves into Ella’s lived experiences with an eating disorder. With confessional writing, intense workouts, and tap dance, this autobiographical solo show invites you to question what it looks like and means to live with an eating disorder.

Operation Shrink holds a magnifying glass up to Ella’s brain and helps you to unravel all of the secrets hiding away up there. Join her as she delves into her turbulent relationship with an old friend named Steve, otherwise known as ‘Atypical Anorexia’, and her lifelong love of exercise (or not). Together you will gossip, dance, exercise profusely, and critically reflect on your time together.

Photography by Christa Holka

For enquiries about 'Operation Shrink' please contact ellakmcgran@outlook.com