Reviewers are calling Michael Black’s new squat-set play Starved a “must see show”, while audiences have taken to Twitter to say they are “totally blown away”. We’ve rounded up some of the best responses – take a look then book your tickets!
The drama about a couple on the run, which also stars Black alongside Alana Connaughton, runs at the Bread and Roses Theatre until 11 May 2019.
Lad and Lass are on the run. They’re Northern, working class and in a toxic relationship. Despite having negative effects on each others’ mental health, they’re determined to stay together. They’re squatting in an unused bedsit on one of Hull’s roughest estates, living a hand to mouth existence and surviving on a diet of roll-ups, vodka and cuppa soups. As the walls start to cave in around them, this unhinged couple must make some tough decisions and face up to what they have done.
Starved is a gritty, fast-paced, character-driven dark comedy, examining the extremes people are willing to go to when desperate. It is Black’s third play. His previous productions, Pride and In the Wake Of were staged as part of the Camden and Clapham Fringe Festivals in 2018.
Black recently starred in Sunrise for the Blind at Tristan Bates Theatre, alongside his Starved co-star Connaughton, and directed Killing Nana at the Hen and Chickens Theatre. Matt Strachan, who previously directed Black’s In the Wake Of, reunites with the writer to direct Starved.
Starved is part of an eclectic spring at the Bread and Roses Theatre, that includes a revival of August Strindberg‘s The Weak Ones and new plays As We Unravel and Glass Half Full Theatre’s comedy about a sister trying to reconnect with her brother, Taking Liberties.
What’s being said on Twitter?
‘Starved’ is a play of critical acclaim and importance. It’s a raw heartfelt play told from a working class voice with a truth and honesty and it’s because actors/ writers have lived that world.. empathy and importance ! Go see it. Go support it… @BreadandRosesTC now! https://t.co/ATXqC1EzDS
— Sean McAllister (Dr Doc) (@mcallisterfilms) May 3, 2019
#ClassWork from the #WorkingClass. Totally blown away by #Starved this evening – make sure you catch it @BreadandRosesTC, seriously not one to miss. The writing, visuals.. the acting – on point. Such chemistry & connection. If you wanna see real, raw material – this is the story. https://t.co/8GD6kIPjb5
— Posy (@PosySterling) May 2, 2019
Go and see #Starved @BreadandRosesTC. Hard-hitting drama about life below the poverty line in a #Hull bedsit in Tory Britain. Performances are truthful & raw and the dialogue mixes the mundane (Heinz soup) with the memorable (Ali G and Borat). #humberside https://t.co/xbZad5QaRT
— @ButcherofDistinction (@ButcherofD) May 1, 2019
What do reviewers think?
Rachel Overd: “This is tight talented production, so if you fancy going on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with some food for thought – this is a must see show!”
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