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★★★★
Bite-Size Plays are back at Brighton Fringe for 2025, bringing their popular breakfast theatre concept to Ironworks Studios across various dates. ‘The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show’ features alternating ‘menus’ of short plays and audiences can enjoy the writing with a hot drink, croissant and strawberries in the company’s café theatre experience. During the first weekend of the festival I had the opportunity to review their Sunday morning 10am menu (menu 1) and collectively it can be described as a spectacular 50 minutes of comedy and drama, featuring a diverse range of plays. With direction by Alex Worrall, Julian McDowell and show creator Nick Brice, a visit to ‘The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show’ is a brilliant way to kick off a busy day at Brighton Fringe.
Nice People by Gareth Brierley
The ‘menu’ starts with the interviewing of an overly friendly married couple who have been together for 4 years. The excessive romance is sickly sweet, akin to something out of a sitcom and you can’t help but be intrigued by their relationship. Behind the sunshine and rainbows, there is a really unique love story and it paves the way for some outrageous comedy performances by Lisa Fairfield and Andy Bell. It is a brilliant show opener, gaining the admiration of the audience in the first couple of minutes and putting the production on a fantastic footing for the rest of the line-up.
Home by William Knowelden
With the recent headlines about the astronauts that were stranded on the International Space Station for 9 months, this space-themed comedy following similar themes is a fascinating insight into what happens when humans are away from their daily lives for an extended period of time. With a captain who always unintentionally monologues (Bud, played by William Neame), the interactions between the three astronauts are what makes this play so enjoyable, revealing the realities of what happens when people are stuck together in close proximity. The use of pre-recorded voice overs and mission-themed sound effects really highlights the space theme and even with no set, you honestly believe that you are with the crew at the end of their momentous journey.
Borys the Rottweiler by Cj Johnson
‘Borys the Rottweiler’ is told entirely from the perspective of an 8-year old dog, who has done something truly awful. It is a reflective and personal piece, which sees the dog single handedly reenact the events of the past few days that have left them in this conundrum. From the facial expressions to the body language, Andy Bell’s commitment to the role is where the play’s strengths lie. It also makes you consider the impact humans have on the breeding and temperament of household animals, which is no easy task in a 10-minute time slot. Tonally this piece doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the line-up, but the different themes are definitely best placed at the middle mark, breaking up some of the comedy.
Vintage by Lucy Kaufman
‘Vintage’ is a hilarious comedy that follows a couple who have decided to permanently live in the year 1942. Dressed head to toe in era-appropriate clothing, they are seeking counselling as their vintage lifestyle has taken over and they are at a roadblock in their marriage. From living through World War II rationing to refusing to adopt modern technology, this couple has taken their interest in the 1940s to an unhealthy level and are scared to leave the decade. How do they get past this unique situation? The therapy session is played out in front of the audience’s eyes and with so many secrets uncovered in the space of a few minutes, you can’t help but laugh at the extent the couple has gone to in sticking to the rules and social conventions of the time period. The mannerisms by Hana Vincent and Scott Virgo are exceptional, bringing so much soap opera level drama to the piece.
Baggage by James McLindon
‘Baggage’ focuses on a twenty-something traveller from Newark who has lost their bag. They proceed to speak to the airline at baggage reclaim, but don’t seem to get anywhere with language barriers and hurdles involved in reporting such an incident. Even though the traveller isn’t rude, this short play encourages you to think about the real people behind the customer service desks and the importance of polite gestures. I found this one to be less engaging and bold than the other plays and personally think it would work better in the penultimate slot, but the light humour of it all was relatable.
Final thoughts on the menu
‘Nice People’, ‘Home’ and ‘Vintage’ are my personal highlights of the menu, but each of the plays are very well-rounded, telling some really complex but intriguing stories in 10 minutes. I enjoyed the concept so much that I hope to go and see a different menu at Edinburgh later this year. It is rare to find such great theatre that you can attend before midday! You can purchase tickets for other menus and performances of ‘The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show’ at Brighton Fringe via the festival’s website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for ‘The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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