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Witty, Campy, Chaos. Summary
Rating
Good
Working for Crumbs, written by Kate Danley, tells the tale of Grace (Molly Keoch) and Amy (Megan Thorne), two eccentric administrators stuck in a gruelling job, as they push their way through the working week. However, when disaster strikes, chaos ensues. Audiences are encouraged to join the cast in the whirlwind of destruction that takes form throughout this comedy.
Upon entering the theatre, the audience are greeted with a modest, yet adaptable performance area that is ‘The Space’. Seating is set up in rows of ascending chairs, while the stage is a clear set-up of an office, simplistic yet still abundantly clear. The stage consists of two small plain desks, each holding phones and keyboards situated upstage, with a much more opulent desk downstage, immediately establishing the hierarchy of characters about to be revealed. The space is used effectively throughout, and while there are minimal set changes, when they do occur, they are handled in the vein of the play itself; comedically and utterly self-aware. The cast work all areas of the stage well, presenting the necessity of each set piece.
As the performance begins, the story commences in all of its eccentric glory. The first act, while slightly slow to get into the action, then captures imaginations and takes off into a funny, camp series of unfortunate events. Both Thorne’s and Keoch’s abundance of charm and relatability grab you in, leaving you trusting them to get through the chaos and disastrous events that occur. Nearly every joke and quip lands, the physical theatre choices work successfully, and the directing choices are well executed. This act built up the melodrama and boosts expectations for an equally exciting second act.
Heading into the second act, the momentum continues. The audience are immediately thrust back into the action, the gags getting sillier, and the story becomes more alive with misfortune. However, as time progresses, some written and directorial choices feel repetitive. Not necessarily missteps, as the plot is still clear and entertaining, but more so feeling slightly tedious. This is only a minor grievance, however, as when the show concludes, it provides audiences with a conclusion as haywire and whimsical as the rest of the production, with laughs until the last line of dialogue.
Standout performances came in the form of characters Amy and Grace. Thorne’s portrayal of Amy is extremely physical, funny and fierce. Her facial expressions alone provide many laughs throughout, and her comedic timing and delivery are equally inspired. Though Thorne could not shine so brightly without the perfect balance provided by co-star Keoch. She embodies her role as Grace with comedic ease and an uncanny rendition of the socially-awkward employee. Often the butt of the joke, Keoch leans into the bazaar and makes it relatable and fun. Both Thorne and Keoch shine independently, yet the magic is in the double-act style back-and-forth that acts as the most endearing element of the show.
If you are looking for a ‘Carry-on’ style comedy, an entertaining, surrealist theatre experience, or to simply have a laugh, Working for Crumbs is a must see.
Written by: Kate Danley
DIrected by: Cecilie Fray
Produced by: Estelle Homerstone
Lighting Design by: Jack Evans
Working for Crumbs plays at The Space until 6 May. The show is also available to livestream on 6 May, and will then be available on-demand for a further two weeks. Further details and bookings can be found here.
