Some Masterchef Sh*t – 53two

Expect the unexpected in this thoroughly entertaining comedy drama where two unlikely worlds collide as a result of ‘wanting to do something nice for someone’. Taboo is on the table in this down to earth portrayal of when two strangers meet, whilst at the same time, trying not to make things too weird.

The debate around the need for content warnings has become a point of contention in the theatre industry, with many viewing pre-performance advisories as a way of removing the element of surprise and the unexpected. Perhaps a conscious decision then by Liam High’s Some Masterchef Sh*t to omit any such content warnings from the programme information. Despite touching on themes worthy of having them, it’s certainly recommended to go into this play without any prior concepts or anticipation, but to fully embrace, and immerse yourself in the surprise and amusement of the unexpected twists and turns found in the brilliance of High’s writing.

The play begins with the first meeting in a café between two strangers, socially anxious Luke (George Miller) and confident, GP Adam (Callum Joshua Sim), a duo like chalk and cheese. Their polite conversation with the awkward jokes that don’t quite land, to the conversation killing misfire of differing interests in popular culture, plays out a scene familiar to all of us.  Despite the initial hiccups the pair begin to share their experiences through the lens of queerness, class, education, sexuality, and veganism, where the development of the narrative between the two starts to take a journey into the unexpected.  

As you think you know what the situation is shaping out to be, you’re pushed in another direction supported by the clever dialogue and an interesting story arc. The play touches on the absurd to the extreme, whilst successfully maintaining a down to earth likeability, which helps to keep hold of the audience, who are firmly connected to these two appealing and complex characters, superbly performed by Miller and Sim.

The conversational elements demand the attention from the audience with some deep disclosures dressed in dark humour. There are plenty of laugh out loud one liners from our witty and interesting protagonists, as we watch this interesting relationship play out.   

Directed by James Cave, the action is framed by the naturalistic adaptable set pieces, which are utilised well to accommodate the 3 main locations. The use of lighting and soundscapes fully furnishes the scenes and environments, polishing off a well-rounded, strong production.

Well-deserved winners of The Off-Cut Festival 2024, this production is exciting, clever and original.

Catch this if you can at the fabulous 53Two Theatre, on until Saturday 20^th July 2024, for tickets please visit, https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/manchester/53two/some-masterchef-shit/e-boykdp

Reviewer: Gill Lewis

Reviewed: 17^th July 2024

North West End UK Rating: