“What are we going to do about all the men?”
It’s a broad question that lacks any tangible answer, and “millennial, middle-aged theatremaker” Olly Hawes isn’t concerned with providing an answer. Instead, his new solo play Old Fat F**k Up occupies space within and around the question, tackling the meaty subjects of masculinity, fatherhood, and inherent violence.
As Hawes clarifies at the top of the show, staged in an intimately small traverse that brings us right into the world he’s creating, this is not a stand-up comedy show. Nor is it an autobiographical tale – but he’d happily sell it to Netflix in exchange for a glossy 6-part limited series. Old Fat F**k Up is rather a blend of storytelling and comedy that runs for a well-oiled 70 minutes, and acts as an incredibly sturdy vehicle for Hawes’s theatrical talents.
Hawes possesses the kind of skillful crowd control that can’t be taught, and his magnetic presence hooks from the offset. After warming the audience up with some lighter banter, he dives straight into his monologued story of a middle-aged father of a young daughter and son, navigating financial hardship and existential crises – all relatable fare that he brings to life with aplomb.
The story unravels over the course of a day, featuring several moments that completely shift the axis of the protagonist’s life in an instant. The contrast of these quiet, heavy moments between the observational humour leave the air thick with discomfort and keep the audience guessing.
With masculinity (especially the toxic kind) being such a highly discussed and explored topic – for good reason – Old Fat F**k Up covers some well-trodden ground without a totally new perspective, but Hawes’s confident command of the material and storytelling prowess keep it compelling throughout.
For those looking for a piece of entertaining, thought-provoking theatre that leaves you with enough time in your evening to dissect it over a glass of wine, Old Fat F**k Up is the golden ticket. He might not yet have got the call from Netflix, but Olly Hawes needn’t worry – his latest offering proves he’s got plenty more theatrical gems up his sleeve.
Old Fat F**k Up is playing at Riverside Studios until 20th December. Tickets are available at https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/old-fat-fk-up-202325/
Reviewer: Olivia Cox
Reviewed: 11th November 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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