Something out of the ordinary is being cooked up, with the right ingredients this dark comedy drama could be a tasty satisfying dish.
Consumption has real promise and potential with its premise providing the opportunity for plenty of unsettling humour, and delicious farcical opportunities. Unfortunately, this production by Beware of the Theatre doesn’t gather the momentum with severe pacing issues which makes the production feel laboured, reducing the urgency of the situation.
We meet Charlie and Vic, an allusive but endearing pair who keep themselves to themselves. They happily live quietly on a protein rich diet, with Vic or the Hillstead Huntsman as he’s more commonly known, arranging regular ‘shopping trips’ to pick up the meat, so to speak.
They’re living in what seems to be cannibalistic domestic bliss until unassuming new neighbour Ann calls round to introduce herself, increasing the danger of revealing the unsavory pallets of her new friends. Yet vegetarian Ann isn’t fazed by the chainsaw being used in the kitchen and regardless joins new friend Charlie for a spot of finger painting.
Due to the shape of the venue and the low raked seats, some reconfiguring is required in regards to the staging with a lot of the action taking place downstage, blocking the view for anyone sitting further back than the third row. Simply repositioning the sofa further upstage would make it easier for those seated at the back to get a full view of the physical storytelling at the front which is critical with so much communicated through the characters body language and movement.
The set is well designed with furniture and props which nicely creates Charlie and Vic’s claustrophobic flat. The narrative centres a lot around food so the decision to not use real food was a missed opportunity which would have complimented the story and aligned with the decision to use real drinks.
With some tightening up, and bolder creative choices, this piece certainly has the potential to be a production people want to sink their teeth into.
Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing
Runs until the 24th August 2025. Book tickets https://whatson.paradise-green.co.uk/consumption/
Reviewer: Gill Lewis
Reviewed: 12th August 2025
North West End UK Rating: