2 couples. 3 affairs. 4 courses - we are invited to ‘the most emotionally messy dinner party’ hosted by Toni and Benji at their Chelsea townhouse. Glamorously dressed in a slinky red trouser suit, dripping in diamonds, Toni clearly wants to make a stylish, sophisticated impression and has hired a chef to prepare classic French cuisine.
Their guests are Toni’s best friend from work Carla who, when Benji offers to make her a drink, shake up a martini perhaps, asks for a beer, (not exactly classy), and her rather uncouth, tattooed, TOWIE, husband, Anthony. The one topic of conversation throughout the evening is on infidelity with Toni quizzing her guests to find out who is sleeping with whom. ‘Has Benji ever hit on you? she asks Carla accusingly but then suggests a mild flirtation might awaken her husband’s lapsed libido.
The mood around the table is one of distrust and growing anger, everyone more interested in checking phone texts than chit chat. Benji looks bored, ignoring Toni’s snide comments, as she dazzles her femme fatale eyes at Anthony, (confusingly referred to as Tony and Antoine). They bicker, brawl and belittle each other in the style of the worst soap opera: the friendships and affairs amongst this quartet seem totally implausible due to the clash of social class and personalities.
While the Chef proudly presents cloche-covered platters for starter and main course, giving a gastronomic description for each elaborate dish in French, no one eats or drinks anything. An empty plastic bottle falls over every few minutes, although they pretend to pour a glass of wine. Why not have a glass wine bottle filled with the usual stage prop of diluted apple juice or red grape cordial?
A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking, the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and consistency across the entire menu and over time.
This debut play by Holly Eve Bray unfortunately lacks any outstanding quality or mastery of technique through the dramatic narrative, realistic characterisation or production values. While billed as a comedic farce, there’s not a soupçon of wit or humour in the dialogue.
‘Emotionally messy’ indeed and a theatrical Eton Mess is on the menu here. As Carla criticises the appalling behaviour at the dinner party, ‘This is so childish!’ – yes, spot on.
Showtimes:
13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24 August @ 15.40
Ticket prices: £10 (£8)
Age guidance: 14+
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/michelin-star