A joyful, chaotic, and deeply relatable comedy that proves female friendship stories can be every bit as romantic as love stories.
Rating
Unmissable!
Branded as ‘an all female powerhouse play from Mischief Theatre alumni’ immediately sparks curiosity. Mischief Theatre have made their name across the West End with their signature blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and farcical chaos, often leaving audiences in tears of laughter. Happily, Meat Cute, written and performed by Laura Kirman and Meg Travers, delivers that same infectious energy while carving out a voice of its own.
Pink is the theme for this one, walking into a space looking as if it is set up for a 90s dating show, courtesy of set designer Natalia Alvarez. The pink carpet, pink drapery and giant glittering pink heart paired up with pop girlie hits have the atmosphere feeling vibrant and welcoming. There is a palpable sense that many friends and family members are in attendance, but rather than detracting from the experience, it enhances the warmth and intimacy of the piece.
Kirman and Travers make for a superb comedic pairing. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the strength of their offstage friendship translates effortlessly into their performances. Add director Nancy Zamit to the mix and the result is something of a dream team. The play is, in their words, ‘a platonic rom-com’ where Harri met Sally, two women who have their ‘Meat Cute’ in the bathroom of a bar. Here they bond over their distaste for the hen-do they are attending and a sandwich bag of sliced ham. What follows is a funny and heartfelt exploration of friendship, charting both the evolution of their relationship and the personal challenges each woman faces in her own life.
At its core, the play gives voice to aspects of the female experience that are not often explored with such honesty. It captures the uncertainty of being in your thirties and feeling as though you should have everything figured out when, in reality, very few people do. It picks at the shifting dynamics of friendships as priorities change, and expectations around what it means for women to ‘have it all’ begin to feel increasingly unrealistic. Beneath the comedy lies a thoughtful reflection on the pressures and contradictions of modern adulthood.
The duo multi-role throughout the piece, with each character remaining distinct and recognisable. While the comedy occasionally veers into delightfully unhinged territory, Kirman and Travers do very well at keeping these moments grounded in truth to keep audiences laughing. A particular highlight is the series of 1990s rom-com inspired montages which perfectly capture the characters falling in platonic love and experiencing the highs of a new relationship.
At just 55 minutes, Meat Cute may appear brief on paper, but every minute is packed with purpose. The writing is fast-paced without becoming rushed, allowing the audience to keep up while eagerly anticipating the next laugh. The comedy is balanced beautifully with genuine warmth and emotional sincerity, making it impossible not to root for these characters. Relatable, heartfelt, and consistently funny, Meat Cute strikes an impressive balance between heart and chaos.
Written by Laura Kirman & Meg Travers
Directed by Nancy Zamit
Associate Director: Jess Mabel Jones
Produced by Meg Travers & Laura Kirman
Set and Costume Design by Natalia Alvarez
Lighting Design by Nicola Crawford
Sound Design by Alex Braithwaite
Meat Cute has completed its current run.
