Entering the compact space of the Finborough Theatre, it is difficult to imagine how such a small space can create something so slick yet somehow epic. ‘Bacon’ is a play that somehow straddles between naturalism and breathtaking heightened realism within a matter of lines. With a running time of seventy-five minutes, I don’t think I took a breath the whole time.
‘Bacon’ explores the relationship between Mark and Darren. Two teenagers at school in Brentford. They’re completely different people but somehow have a connection which is just as dangerous as it is joyful. Each of them talk to the audience throughout, but at its heart it is Mark who is telling us his story. A story rich in trauma, shame and failed dreams. It all sounds very bleak, but the characters are littered with hilarious idiosyncrasies and phrases which gives it a real pace. Mark is almost like a more interesting version of Will from ‘The Inbetweeners’. He has hilarious one-liners about the love for his dog Barney and distrust for bullies and detention. Darren is the damaged teen who wears his heart in his fists, but every now again shows a burst of vulnerability.2
Sophie Swithinbank really has created such a beautiful piece. It’s lovely to see a queer piece of theatre that doesn’t feel the need to over sexualise characters and instead focus on their connection. Sure, there are some very dark moments that focus on the sexual aspect of their relationship, but I feel like this piece is far more about their connection and need to belong than anything else.Corey Montague-Sholay and William Robinson deliver electric performances. Giving each other a long hug in the bows, I’d like to think that there is a bond between the actors that translates so well on stage. They’re fearless in their approach to the tricky themes of sexual abuse and violence and are not afraid to go to the extremes of their characters. With the show currently being adapted for TV, I would love to see these two brilliant performers given the chance to take it to screen.
Set designer- Natalie Johnson- has created a simple, yet very effective, see-saw which the characters use in their power play throughout the show. It was thrilling to watch them balancing each other on either end. Although sometimes it felt like the constant up and down to highlight who had the power got a bit clunky and didn’t allow for the writing to just shine through.
However, the director- Matthew Iliffe- has managed to weave together this story like a beautiful dance. It felt expertly managed and almost like a beautiful painting. This was definitely aided by Ryan Joseph Staffords' lighting design which would create different worlds for the characters whilst also mirroring their inescapable similarities.To conclude, the cast, the design, the writing- it’s all just a beautiful synergy of when theatre is done right. I have no doubt that Sophie Swithinbank is going to be hugely successful- so don’t miss the chance to say you were in the room for one of her earliest plays!
Review by Max Barber
Rating: ★★★★★
