Review: BLUEBERRY TOAST, Soho Theatre

Everything seems perfect in this cute little suburban town. The sun is shining, the birds sing and a couple arise from their peaceful slumber, greeting each other with love and affection. Nothing seems out of place; the ordinary morning routine is carried out as usual, as papers are read and breakfast is made.

However, today there is something new on the menu, and it's blueberry toast. Not waffles, or muffins, but toast; with blueberries. It's not the oddest of pairings, but to Walt (Gareth David-Lloyd) it's the worst thing imaginable. Despite his consistent refusal, Barb (Gala Gordon) prepares copious amounts of servings, which are consecutively thrown in the trash.

Passive-aggressiveness runs rife throughout; even though the couple are always talking to one another, they refuse to ever be completely honest. That is, until there comes a point when it's too late and every annoyance is shared. When this happens, the family's state of equilibrium is shattered and their life descends into absolute chaos.

Alongside the couple are their two kids Jack and Jill (Matt Barkley and Adrianna Bertola). The pair are in the process of devising a new play, and share each act to their parents at random intervals throughout. The children's creations are an interesting foreshadowing to what's about to happen next. Through their stylised movement they tell a brilliant story.

Mary Laws' text possesses a great amount of humour, but when you look deeper into it, you realise that it's actually not that funny at all. Her dark, twisted tale of the ideal family packs a real punch and emphasises the point that perfection doesn't ever exist.

There's an unnerving tone of resentment underscoring Steve Marmion's production. The stakes are raised and everyone's at breaking point, even though all that's happening is an offering of toast. The piece is acutely aware of its own absurdist nature and embraces it at every point.

It's a baffling watch, but one that's highly entertaining.

Blueberry Toast at the Soho Theatre until 30 June

Photo credit: Helen Maybanks

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