Eggs Aren’t That Easy to Make – Jersey at Underbelly

Produced by Big Sofa Theatre and Counterminers, Eggs Aren’t That Easy to Make follows the friendship of Claire (Rachel Andrews) and Dan (Thomas Kingman) through the years, starting with a drunken off-handed promise in university that Dan would be the sperm donor if Claire ever got into a lesbian relationship—unlikely, right? Well, a few years down the line, Claire is in a lesbian relationship and ready to have a baby when Dan reminds her of her promise. The problem is Dan is a little… overbearing, so Claire and her partner Lou (Esther Carr) must assert agency, set up boundaries, and prepare for their pregnancy, all while trying not to upset Dan.

Written by Maria Telnikoff, this play tells an endearing story with queer joy at its heart. Charming, funny, and light, I could watch this a million times over. Telnikoff’s writing is not only witty but cleverly set up too, with moments being revealed to us such as Dan’s partner Naomi (Sophia Rosen-Fouladi) not wanting children—further unfurling why Dan is so desperate to get involved with Claire and Lou’s baby.

And while the writing is perfect, the acting is what really brings it to life, advancing it even further as a production. Andrews as Claire was a masterclass in thoughtful acting, with Andrews fully giving over to the character; thinking over what she was going to say before and as she delivered the lines—she was completely in the moment. Andrews brought a sort of “frazzled English-woman” energy to Claire which worked perfectly alongside Carr’s grounded and sarcastic Lou. The pair’s chemistry was so lovely and with the help of director Lauren Tranter, a beautiful sense of intimacy and trust was built between the couple. Their relationship was completely believable and heartfelt, blocked in a way that felt so comfortable and natural for the couple.

Our opposing couple, Dan and Naomi, also blended perfectly into the working order of things. Kingman gave us a very sweet but anxious portrayal of Dan which, just as in the other couple, was balanced by Fouladi’s cool, calm, and collected sensibility. I especially enjoyed Fouladi posing as the woo-woo prenatal coach, who recommended a myriad of crazy techniques to the mothers.

Altogether, this was such a delightful production, which not only celebrated a queer love story with a happy ending but also highlighted important topics of taboo such as a woman’s decision to not give birth. The representation in this play comes with a naturality that is so special to witness. Sharing stories such as this one is incredibly important—seeing underrepresented communities be the main event really pulls at the heartstrings, and I want more of it! Eggs Aren’t That Easy to Make runs until the 25th of August at Jersey at Underbelly, Bristo Square, with tickets available at https://www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/whatson-date

Reviewer: Jessie Martin

Reviewed: 17th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: