Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) | Soho Theatre

Soho Theatre is synonymous with new, exciting work; and in line with this reputation, they have opened up their biggest stage to Jade Franks’ critically acclaimed hit Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x).

Franks’ play is a clear triumph and a testament to the rich quality of brand new theatre within the UK. Following Jade throughout her first term at Cambridge University, juggling her struggles with classism, double standards, balancing a job on top of university and being a Northerner all the way down south, this play is a whirlwind of electric comedy and biting political commentary,

Franks proves herself to be switched on, hilarious, politically engaged and incredibly clever throughout this piece. Franks’ ability to plant a joke is almost unmatched, her capability to land quick wit dissing JK Rowling and government officials who ignore genocide in unpredictable coin turns is marvellous. Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) is truly a laugh a minute show from Franks writing; let alone her irresistible charm.

Throughout her performance, Franks absolutely absorbs the audience using her charm and wit to a T. These traits keep the audience at her (gorgeously acrylic) fingertips the entire 65 minutes. Franks switches between a multitude of characters as if it was as easy a task as tying her laces, the vocality and physicality she displays throughout the piece is commendable and highly comedic. Franks has a firm grasp on how to use nothing but herself alone to truly convince audiences to suspend their disbelief and transport right into her Cambridge days with her.

Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) contains some heavy hitting reflections throughout on the class disparity in these elitist settings, ones that can easily resonate with a plethora of audiences (not just those who went to Cambridge). There is a striking humanity and familiarity within this piece that would undeniably allow anyone to connect to Franks' world.

Franks' voice is clearly cemented through this debut as a deeply understanding, unique voice that the theatre scene needs more of. Good socially engaged theatre is a gift from some of our great artists, and Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x)  certainly fits into this criteria.

Tatenda Shamiso as a director shows clear faith within Franks work, letting it thrive with the guidance of his direction. Shamiso allows the piece to remain sharp, snappy and alive, relishing in the unique atmosphere the play brings. Reigning a solo show in to a tight product is no small feat, and Shamiso steers the ship perfectly to really allow success throughout the piece.

Zoe Beeny’s lighting design alleviates the restrictions of a solo show and strikes genius ideas that allows lighting to give life to the presence of unseen characters throughout. Compositions by Roly Botha additionally provide tone and flare to all the right moments, really tuning in to the strings that need to be pulled in line with dialogue and movement (guided fabulously throughout by Sean Ting-Hsuan Wang). Finally, Claudia Casino's set design has a classy and theatrical flair that perfectly allows the space to become transformative and backdrops her recognisable costume design stylishly.

Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) is a play that has perfectly aligned all its different elements within theatrical terms to bring Franks' biting yet hilarious recognition of Britain's dismantled class system to glaring life; as Hermes may say... she clocked it.

If you haven’t managed to nab a ticket for Jade Franks' marvellous return to Soho.. prepare

to feel FOMO. as audiences will undoubtedly be raving about this piece all over again.

Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) plays at the Soho Theatre until Friday 03rd July - limited tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review