Review: Big Bite-Size Shows
White Room Theatre
August 29th at Pleasance Dome
[usr 3]
Conceived by Artistic Director and Co-Founder of White Room Theatre Nick Brice, the Big Bite-Sized shows are a compilation of short plays performed by a cast of seven. Sixteen different plays by different playwrights on three Breakfast menus, with each menu performed on different dates. The Lunch House Celebgration Menu features the audiences’ favourites. What audiences get is a varied palette of genres and perspectives—perfect for anyone with a short attention span or who loves variety. Even better, the Breakfast show comes with free coffee, tea, croissants and strawberries—a surefire method of putting the audience in a good mood.
The drawback, however, is that not all shows are perfectly written or executed. Oftentimes, the comedic pieces are more appreciated than the mini dramas. Broken by James McLindon has a strong concept, but seems more like a scene from a longer play, leaving the audiences confused by the plot twists. The exception is Boris the Rottweiler by CJ Johnson, a story from the perspective of a Rottweiler (Javier Rasero), delivers a grave recount without loose ends. The standout show is Surprise by Mark Harvey Levine, featuring a psychic (Dan Greest) about to get dumped by his date (Claira Watson-Parr), for its simple but strong premise of a man being able to predict his partner’s every move and finish her sentences much to her annoyance.
The actors carry distinct qualities that complement each other, making for a balanced ensemble, but fall into monotony as their various characters are portrayed the same way, or are caricatured. There are circumstances when caricatures make the perfect setup for an unexpected pay-off at the end as with Big Fish, Little Fish by Joel Jones, when a silent character (Billy Knowelden) speaks, or a nice hostess (Annie Harris) poisons drinks.
Nevertheless, the Big Bite-Size Shows are entertaining and have a fun atmosphere, especially in Ten Reasons Why Hamlet was Gay by Grant MacDermott. At one point, the actors spontaneously get audience members to take their places onstage while another actor is facing away, causing confusion and hilarity when he turns back. Moments like this are fulfilling as they remind audiences of the joy of being complicit in a theatrical event that dishes out jokes and stories like a great meal out.
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