Fat Pig Theatre Review
Fat Pig is by American playwright Neil LaBute and promises to be a funny and heart warming play. It certainly has its moments but my one observation is that, with such a great cast of English comedy actors, it has been produced in its’ American format.
Tom meets Helen who is a plus size and they have a relationship that develops into a tender and loving romance. However Tom’s outspoken and bigoted work colleague objects to the relationship based on Helen’s size. Is Tom brave enough to confront, head on, this social bred complex that suggests ‘fat is unacceptable’? The issue is a predominant one which is why I feel it is such a shame not to have addressed it as an English play to an English audience but then maybe it wouldn’t have been so funny. Perhaps it would have been a little bit too close to home?
Robert Webb who co wrote and stars in ‘The Peep Show’ is fabulous as Tom and steals every scene from his co stars. Ella Smith is a very convincing American and plays her part beautifully, with just the right amount of vulnerability and self deprecation. Kris Marshall (from ‘My Family’) is the bad guy as he tries to convince Tom that due to her size, Helen is just not acceptable girlfriend material. Marshall tackles this role with obvious relish and portrays the bullish Carter with shocking accuracy, highlighting the unattractive attributes of the office boy who never grows up. Joanna Page who is the popular face from TV’s ‘Gavin and Stacey’ is part of the anti-fat feeling in Tom’s office. She excellently plays the part of the vindictive Jeannie, Tom’s ‘on, off’ girlfriend and sees his ‘deflection’ as a personal insult.
Whilst the American accents sometimes get lost, this is an ensemble of talented actors and ‘Fat Pig’ is definitely worth a look. They work very well together, with great timing and seemingly well developed relationships.
Concierge Desk can get you the very best London theatre tickets for this wonderful West End show.
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