The Big Bite Breakfast Show (2025), Pleasance Courtyard, Review

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The words The Big Bite Breakfast Show' are written in red lettering on top of a picnic blanket that is red and white checked.
Rating (out of 5)
5
Show info
Company
The Pleasance
Production
Amelia Stephenson, Simon Nye, Matthew Brown, Thomas Willshire, Tom Hartwell (Writers, Menu Two); David Frias-Robles (Director); Nick Brice (Founder/Chairman)
Performers
Rosie Edwards, Rachel Fletcher-Hudson, Tom Hartwell, Kat Johns Burke, Thomas Willshire
Running time
70mins

With a lovely free croissant and coffee (or tea) as well as a wonderfully eclectic smorgasbord of short plays, The Big Bite Breakfast Show is a long-term staple of the Pleasance’s offerings. Being able to write and perform short plays that tell a whole story and keep the audience engaged for the journey of that story, is a real skill, and the Big Bite Breakfast Show team deliver with style.

On the day of review, Menu Two was on offer (there are three menus of plays), consisting of five short plays. The five-strong team of actors embody their characters with aplomb and draw us in, not easy when a story needs to get to the point quickly. With stories ranging from a proposal to a food bank, the quirks of deliveries, remembering a lost friend and the nuances of politics viewed through the lens of weather, these plays cover a broad reach of the human condition. There is laughter, heartfelt awareness and a wonderfully silly exploration of political decisions which make the audience think and laugh again.

The plays are sharp, witty and the changeovers are smooth. With strong, subtly nuanced performances from all, there is nothing that can be faulted in this production – even the benches to sit on were comfortable, no mean feat during the Fringe. For a great way to start your day, this is highly recommended.

Show Time: 12-25 Aug (not 13,18) @ 10:30
Pleasance Courtyard
Ticket Prices: £17-£19
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-big-bite-size-breakfast-show

Warnings: This show contains flashing lights. Depending on the menu, this show may contain occasional strong language, use of firearms/weaponry props, mild sexual references and drug misuse, as well as potentially distressing or dark themes. Space Accessibility: Accessible entry: Queue in cobbled courtyard. Access to space via locked lift, please notify venue ahead of your visit if you require use of the lift and ask at Info Shed upon arrival for access. Performance space is on First floor, 25 steps up a permanent stone staircase with handrails. Wheelchair access type: Lift (Building Lift)Stairs: 20+Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Enhancement System. Stairs: 11-20. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. May not apply to all performances. 

Age restrictions: Accompanied under-16s permitted until 00:00, 16-17-year-olds until 03:00. Age Suitability: 12+ (Guideline). Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years