“A complex Dystopian Tale that Builds Intrigue and Suspense Throughout.”
nksplat Theatre Company bring their new play What’s Rotting in the Office Fridge to the Fringe. It is a dark comedy, that interrogates surveillance society and free will all while being set in a small office block.
Written by Noah McGarrity and Kathleen Tierney, the script explores a new worker entering the office of a mysterious anti-aging pill, one that literally stops you from aging. From there we are introduced to a full cast of characters that are all censored in some way, and watch as they deal with the idealistic new coworker with a secret. It is a well written play that works well to build tension and mystery throughout. You are constantly kept on your toes trying to figure out what the big reveals will be, and they come thick and fast as we reach the conclusion. What is commendable in this piece is how well balanced the writing is to service all the characters. Each member of the team gets their moment in the limelight and none feel as if they are underused. It is a tough balancing act for an hour long play, but McGarrity and Tierney do this well.
The cast is headed ably by the new hire Robin, played by Abbie Murray. She joins the office managed by Jones (Jamie-Reece Lyle), his sidekick Mitch (David Wilson), the focussed and ambitious Dorian (Caro Ciurariu), the office joker Remy (Iona Murray) and Bridget (Rebekah Copeland), who is the elder stateswoman of the office. Each actor portrays their character well, bringing their nuances and differences to light. They bring you into the piece quickly, and all present differing levels of charm to make you care for them. They all have damage, and are all suppressed by the mysterious HR (Imogen Carmichael), who shows up to intimidate and keep them in their place. It is a good performance from a very skilled ensemble of young actors.
The play reaches a finale that leaves questions, not fully resolving the issues raised. It leaves the audience with doubt, which adds to the effectiveness of the piece. It is however, slightly over ambitious for an hour of theatre. The twists and turns are quick, and there is little time to let the tensions build. It has little time to really build the world of this dystopia, and would benefit from a slower pace at points.
As this play, and Inksplat Theatre continue developing, it will surely build into something really brilliant. This is a young company with real potential. A thrilling play for fans of dystopias, or shows like Severance, with an ending that really makes you think.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/what-s-rotting-in-the-office-fridge
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Space 2 at theSpace on the Mile
Dates: 24th – 29th August
Time: 10.00
Ticket prices: £12.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+ (Guideline)