Review: Does My Privilege Look Big in This?, Riverside Studios

Does My Privilege Look Big in This? is part of the Bitesize Festival at Riverside Studios, which runs from Monday 27 July to Monday 31 August. The festival, now in its fifth year, gives artists the opportunity to present new work and connect with audiences. 

Described as a satire, the play is written by Siân Lawrence, who also plays Jess. Brought up by a single parent, Jess is proving that you don’t need to be born privileged to succeed in life, although it is clear she understands that doing so is going to be difficult. Lawrence is an extremely confident performer with a strong stage presence. Her script is well observed and engaging, with dialogue that feels truthful. She is definitely one to watch.

Jess’s best friend Millie, played by Elle Davies, is naive, impressed by her boyfriend Hugo’s lifestyle and wealth. Despite Jess’s warnings, Millie is determined to make the relationship work, believing she is in love and that they have something special.

Hugo, played by Leah Aspden, is hugely unlikeable and obnoxious, a classic example of a young man born with a silver spoon in his mouth. As an Eton boy, his path to Oxbridge is, in his mind, secure. Aspden provides an unforgiving portrayal of a truly unpleasant young man.

Hugo’s best friend Arnie, played by Molly Jones, is definitely the more likeable of the two. He desperately wants to stand up to his parents but doesn’t know how, and is suffocated by the expectations placed upon him. That is, until he runs into Jess and they come to an arrangement that suits them both. Jones is well cast in this role and gives an authentic performance. 

While her mum is shouting from the rooftops about how proud she is of her daughter, Jess has a new agenda. She changes from a loyal, supportive and kind friend into someone Millie no longer recognises, losing herself in the process and becoming increasingly ruthless and cruel.

This is an extreme and ugly portrayal of privilege, where Oxbridge offers are guaranteed, and summer internships at FTSE 100 companies are handed out like sweeties, regardless of intelligence or ability. Drug use, unwanted pregnancy and a total lack of respect for women all feature in this hard-hitting play. While it may not be a wholly fair representation of young men born into privilege, it certainly offers food for thought about those who abuse their birthright.

As the play draws to a shocking conclusion, Jess is left holding all the power. She believes she has it all, but ultimately has lost everything that is truly valuable.

This play deserves a bright future.

Written by Siân Lawrence
Directed by Eilidh Evans
Stage Manager by Ro West
Assistant Stage Manager: Mia Batchelor
Marketing Manager: Jessica Burgess

Does My Privilege Look Big in This? has completed its performances at the Riverside Studios but transfers to the Hope Theatre from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September.