BWW Reviews: FULLY COMMITTED, Menier Chocolate Factory, September 10 2014

Fully Committed was the production that put the derelict chocolate factory back on the map back in 2004. Now as the award winning theatre celebrates 10 years, Becky Mode's New York comedy is back to delight crowds once again.

Kevin Bishop plays Sam, an out-of-work actor trying to make ends meet in the reservations department of the hottest and meanest restaurant in town. All alone in his basement call centre, Sam has to deal with unreasonable demands of dozens of customers and perhaps more unreasonable colleagues and boss - the executive chef.

A cramped set with excellent attention to detail by designer Tim Shortall really helps transport you to the backstage hell that hides behind swanky eateries. Tinsel daubs every edge, reminding Sam how close another lonely Christmas is. Taking pride of place at the front of stage is a bright red phone, the hotline to a boss that can never be satisfied - always desperate to grab all the attention.

Bishop is superbly cast, and, with snappy direction by director - and original Sam - Mark Setlock, plays every side of every conversation with consummate skill. Bishop, a one-tie Muppet Movie star, is a talented impressionist, and brings to life each caller - from the harassed and coke-addled supermodel's PA, to his calm, caring and long suffering father, wondering if he'll make it home for Christmas. The timing is perfect, holding a facial expression for just the right amount of time to bring a smile to the hardest to please theatregoer.

Fully Committed is wonderfully funny but at little over an hour, the one-act show manages to cram in an engaging story too. It's well paced, and effortlessly shifts gear from frenetic farce to moments of touching emotion. You really feel for Sam - and as things go from bad to worse the whole audience is rooting for him.

For 10 years, this little theatre has punched above its weight, and had success with West End and Broadway transfers. Returning to the play that made it famous could be over-nostalgic - but this production feels as fresh as it ever was, and a reminder of what great gems are to be found away from the West End. This is a show that's going to live up to its name.