Review: The Big Cheese, Golden Goose Theatre

Bylli Gomez‘s new comedy The Big Cheese follows down-and-out Bee (played by Gomez) as she tries to claw her life back into a respectable shape. She’s lost her job, got a loser for a boyfriend, is recovering from alcoholism, has a useless degree, is broke, and is forced to live back at home with her mother. Just as Bee thinks she’s hit rock bottom, she gets a trial shift at a fancy cheesemonger, but this isn’t the big break she thinks it is. We follow Bee through a 24-hour stint as her life goes from bad to worse. 

Gomez, as writer, director, producer, and actor, has crafted a fast-paced and punchy play. It’s filled with the hilarity of the utterly mundane, like the overbearing mother who insists “you really should iron that shirt”, or the absurd seriousness of interviews for menial jobs (which is heartbreakingly accurate and all too familiar).

The highlight of Gomez’s writing is her creation of vibrant characters, such as “creepy, posh weirdo” Philip (Roger Parkins). Parkins’ booming voice and unctuous energy make a bold presence in this production. At his side is his punctilious, pernickety wife, Felicity (Ava De Winter). De Winter’s fluttering hand gestures add an extra pinch of silliness to this character, which is a joy.

The only stable character in this play is best friend Daisy (Juliet O’Connor). Thank goodness she is on hand to pick up the pieces of Bee’s life. Although O’Connor’s part is small, she brings a warmth and tenderness to this play that is needed.   

Shelton Wong has effectively created smooth transitions between settings and scenes with his wonderful lighting design. Together with basic props, Gomez has created a dense world with limited resources, which should be applauded.

For all the fun of The Big Cheese, the unfortunate thing is that the main character, Bee, is desperately unlikeable, with no redeeming qualities. I can forgive a flawed protagonist, but this play bulldozes through scenes as though we’re doom-scrolling through Bee’s life. This is partly down to Gomez’s direction. At only 60 minutes long, the play packs a lot in. Slowing the plot and better pacing would give the character space to reflect on her actions and, more importantly, give the audience room to connect with Bee. When Bee (the recovering alcoholic) begins to drink again, it is brushed over because we are forced straight into comedy when she starts to flirt with Freddie (Aidan Witten). A few sombre beats would add perspective to the severity of Bee’s actions: at current, there is no jeopardy. The audience doesn’t leave feeling that Bee has grown as a character, and we aren’t rooting for her. 

The Big Cheese has the potential and makings of a wonderful play, but right now it feels unpolished and rushed. Lingering on the play’s tragic turns would give the audience an emotional anchor and make the comedy sparkle brighter.

Written and directed by Bylli Gomez
Lighting by Shelton Wong
Produced by Bylli Gomez and Kaur Anne Productions

The Big Cheese has completed its run at the Golden Goose Theatre as part of the Lambeth Fringe Festival.