‘A wonderful start to the morning – croissant, coffee and 5 wonderful mini-plays’
The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show is an Edinburgh institution, presenting three menus of five mini-plays throughout the Fringe. It’s a wonderful idea: a morning show where you get a croissant and a cup of coffee (and a strawberry in the queue if you’re lucky), and settle down to watch a delightful array of comic dramas. The croissants are well-laminated and the drinks name-brand; the writing and acting share this premium feel.
It’s menu 1 this morning, opening with two charming comedies about taking relationships further. Vowel Movements follows a couple moving in together – a salt-of-the-earth Northerner gently mocks his “soft southern” girlfriend. His sister drops in unexpectedly to mark the occasion. She’s unexpectedly posh. And definitely not from Yorkshire. This is perhaps the most traditional comedy of the line-up, with a particularly great sight gag involving a coat. Couch to No Way offers some more drama, again focusing on a long-term relationship. Two best friends go out for a jog, and one of their partners tags along; when he gets a chance, he tries to force the two friends apart. But perhaps he has a good reason?
The next two shows share unusual premises. Love (Terms and Conditions Apply) is set in a dystopian near-future where two people matched by an algorithm have 10 minutes to decide to marry, or never get matched again. A (very bossy) robot voice monitors and evaluates their progress: “Emotional synchronisation detected – please confirm authenticity”. It’s a surprisingly uplifting exploration of human connection, and what makes for longevity in a relationship. In Two Minds is probably the most laugh-out-loud mini-play, with two actors portraying a couple’s inner thoughts. First when deciding whether they want to order pizza or cook, and then when one receives a text from an unknown woman and lies about it.
The final play is the most absurd of the five. In The Maltese Waiter a man visits a therapist, convinced he’s a superhero – Noir Man, who can turn anything into a film noir scene – and is about to lose his fiancé because of it. Dynamic lighting provides several excellent visual gags, and a wonderful final punchline seals the deal.
Leaving the theatre nourished both literally and intellectually, I wondered whether more risks could have been taken. A mini-play with a more dramatic focus would enhance the variety, and it won’t escape notice that all five stories centre romantic relationships. But these are small niggles, as all five plays were well-written, well-executed, and well entertaining.
Queuing to get in, people could be heard discussing their favourite performances from other menus, and based on today’s experience I think I might become one of them. What a wonderful way to kick off the morning.
Show Listing https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-big-bite-size-breakfast-show
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Pleasance One, Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: Aug 5th–31st
Time: 10:30 (70 mins)
Ticket prices: £18–£19
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 12+