☆★★★★ A Slice of Eel Pie
The blurb
for A Slice of Eel Pie describes the play as ‘dark and hilarious'. In my
opinion, that's an understatement - it's black and outrageous, and a great deal
more! From the moment we first meet brothers, Pony and Meatball, we are drawn
instantly into another world: mystery, murder, mayhem, cross-dressing, slicing,
and the most divine bad language! And, let me warn you, no word remains
unsworn!
Leslie Ann
Albiston, writer, director and producer, has created a madcap snapshot of life
in the hedonist ‘60s focusing on Eel Pie Island, a small ait on the Thames near
Twickenham. An epicentre of hippiedom and the burgeoning permissive society,
the story revolves around a group of diverse characters caught up with the
fallout from dope-induced free love. Quickly becoming a tragi-comedy, we
discover the implications of actions that span several decades. That all sounds
a bit of a serious ask but is, in fact, a seriously funny, uproarious, slightly
uncomfortable farce that explores/exposes the joys of familial confusion and
identity. But no more spoilers here!
With a
stellar cast featuring actors from diverse disciplines – theatre, comedy,
stand-up, film - A Slice of Eel Pie is truly funny. Expertly crafted, madcap
and well-observed performances create cleverly-written mayhem. Malcolm
Jefferies as Pony cross-dresses with evil aplomb and an even more evil
wardrobe, ably assisted by Neil Cole as Meatball, a deranged psychopath with a
penchant for swearing and slicing! Dannie Gold and Hraban Layat as hapless
Detectives Gold and Harris are traditional farcical policemen. King is pure
gold as she joyously speaks French badly at every opportunity –classic!
Rafaela
Elliston as Mint Julip, Anil Desai as Noel and Marc McCardie as Sir Jasper
complete the ensemble as the fundamental part of the ultimate dysfunctional
family dynamic. All deliver some classic comedy moments whether it be talking
about modern art, getting stoned or being an upper-class twit! Finally,
Harrison Cole is manful in his portrayal of a bunny girl, brave fire-fighter
and omnipresent ASM!
A Slice of
Eel Pie is playing at The Hen and Chickens Theatre as part of Camden Fringe and
is sold out – maybe returns? It is a testament to Leslie Ann Albiston for the
holistic approach to her theatre-making. And, it is a hilarious piece, cleverly
constructed, expertly performed and this will not be the last time it's seen.
Part of Camden Fringe
Venue: Hen and
Chickens Theatre
Started: Thursday 22 August 2019
Closes: Sunday 25 August 2019
Address: 109 St Paul's Road, Islington, London N1 2NA
Box office: 020 7704 2001
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