A perfectly-cast character comedy which goes in an unexpected direction
Eight months of one-night-stands might be seen as a worrying symptom of the decaying social contract, a courageous reclamation of female sexuality, or even the start of a celebrity career. For thirty-something Mary (Lauren Lyle), it’s her new year’s resolution, designed to inject some spice into her life. And perhaps also just a bit of a cry for help. David Ireland’s very funny two-hander takes place after one of Mary’s conquests, as each lover shares a secret with their recent bedfellow. It’s a snappy script rich with observational humour and character comedy, keeping the audience laughing throughout.
Most Favoured isn’t about rapid-fire gags; instead, it feels like a comforting sitcom, where the better you know its characters, the funnier each scene becomes. Mary’s neurotic need for things to make sense combines well with the puppy dog energy of American tourist Mike (Alexander Arnold). Alongside excellent character comedy, there are some laugh-aloud observations, taking in topics ranging from KFC fries and wake-up sex to the UK-US language barrier. Both roles have been perfectly cast, with each character forming a ready connection with the audience; Lyle in particular pulls some cracking facial expressions.
In the show’s early scenes, Mike seems just a little too stereotyped as the goofy small-town American: he claims not to have heard of KFC, is easily distracted, and brushes off Mary’s dramatic revelation as if he hasn’t grasped it fully. But when his own secret comes to light, these earlier scenes make sense through a new lens. Whilst another script would milk dramatic tension from Mary’s revelation, Most Favoured isn’t like other shows, and its pace and humour are all the better for Mike’s flippant response. By the time the curtain goes down, the audience feel tenderness and warmth towards both characters.
From the outset, there’s a lot of flesh on display: Mary begins wrapped in a towel, and Mike wears a small pair of white underpants. But as Mary’s revelation approaches, and the audience gain a sense of her context, layers of clothing are added, telling their own story. When Mike dresses towards the show’s conclusion, his outfit is similarly well-chosen, augmenting the plot unfolding onstage. Similar attention to detail extends to the set, with an excellent visual gag hidden in plain sight. From casting to costume to set, everything comes together and amplifies the laughs.
It’s a real steal for Soho Theatre to host David Ireland’s World Premiere – his last show opened at the glitzier, considerably larger Soho Place with Martin Freeman ably supported by rising star Joe Locke. Most Favoured is certainly a sillier show, with funnier one-liners, but it retains the sharp, intimate chemistry that makes Ireland a writer to watch. The smaller space fits this one-act, 45-minute show well, and the pint-sized performance does nothing to diminish Ireland’s sharp writing and intimate character work.
At its heart, Most Favoured is a very funny, superbly acted, and precisely designed character comedy, which keeps the audience guessing. An earlier start time suggests audiences could catch another show afterwards, but this press night overruns by ten minutes, making it a stretch. Nevertheless, Most Favoured is an excellent appetiser ahead of a West End main course, and also stands on its own as a bite-sized piece of compelling comedy.
Most Favoured plays at Soho Theatre until 24th January. Tickets can be purchased here.