Hope Has a Happy Meal is a thought-provoking tragic-comic-satiric-allegory that takes viewers on a journey through the dystopian capitalist landscape of the People’s Republic of Koka Kola.
The play follows the return of Hope after a nearly 30-year absence, as she navigates a corporation-run police state while attempting to reconnect with her family. Tom Fowler’s writing showcases a keen comedic sensibility, and the cast delivers it with aplomb, setting a winning tone from the very beginning.
The characters in this play are both captivating and relatable. Laura Checkley’s portrayal of the charismatic protagonist, Hope, is delightful to watch, and her chemistry with Mary Malone’s Isla, a waitress who becomes her ally, adds an extra layer of charm. Along their feverish escape, they encounter Ali, a lovable yet dim-witted forest-keeper, played by an excellent performer who delivers the funniest lines. Amaka Okafor’s Lor, Hope’s resentful sister, is also noteworthy, as the play delves into the complexities of their re-establishing relationship.
While the play does lose some steam in the resolution for Isla’s character, Mary Malone’s handling of the final scene is commendable and evokes a genuine emotional response. The balance between comic beats and darker themes is deftly maintained throughout the performance, culminating in a nightmarish gameshow hallucination that leaves a lasting impact.
Naomi Dawson’s set design deserves special mention, as the neon-lit, multi-levelled structure effectively transports the audience through various locations within the dystopian world. From flats to train toilets, each scene is seamlessly transitioned, contributing to the overall flow of the play.
However, where Hope Has a Happy Meal falls short is in its execution of satire and allegory. While brand-named locations and a message on the plane attempt to establish a hyper-capitalist dictatorship, there is a lack of thorough exploration and distinctiveness in this aspect. The play’s themes and social commentary could have been more sharply defined, as it often feels like a story that could have taken place in a modern-day setting with only minimal alterations.
Despite these shortcomings, Hope Has a Happy Meal remains an entertaining and witty theatrical endeavor. The direction is sharp, and the performances are joyous, providing an engaging experience for the audience. While the plot’s resolution may not fully satisfy, the play raises important questions about the challenges of contemporary life, encompassing issues like climate change and political extremism, adding depth to the overall narrative.