The Hunger by Black Bright Theatre is a terrifyingly gripping and powerful story that highlights how far some parents will go to protect their children from the world around them. The two performers pour absolutely everything (and more) into this psychological thriller, which has you on the edge of your seat from the very start and does not let go until the closing moments. With two mind-blowing performances, this is a show not to be missed! This two-hander production follows the lives of the no-nonsense survivalist Deborah (played wonderfully by Susan Jayne Robinson) and her innocent, naïve daughter Megan (captured by the incredible Hollie Burgess), who have found refuge in an isolated farmhouse cabin as a mysterious plague is spreading around the world. It is rumoured to have started from processed food, and so the pair believe they are as safe as possible by living close to farm animals. One of the classic tropes of particularly British-based horror shows is the fact that the story takes place in remote locations where there is no way outside factors can influence whatever is about to happen. Setting this story in such a deserted place, originally pitched within the story as a way for the pair to stay safe from whatever is running havoc in the world around them, instead increases the tension by effectively caging the two conflicting characters together.
The set design in this show was particularly impressive, as not only did it accurately represent what this sort of setting would be like in real life, but it was also a clever way to disguise the range of props that help drive the narrative itself. The clash between the two contrasting characters in this enclosed and confining space instantly creates a clear air of tension, as the audience knows that there is no way they can co-exist without something drastic happening very soon. Not only is this setting incredibly accurate, but it also provides a wonderful theatrical element as it transforms to portray the more intense scenes. One of the more powerful scenes in this show sees Deborah head behind the home to begin slaughtering a pig, as the walls become semi-transparent and are bathed in a gruesome red light. The mother begins pulling apart the animal, which makes the audience purposefully uneasy and depicts the dangers presented in the outside world. Additionally, as any temporary home would be, the set is littered with personal items, including plates and stored food on the shelves, which are repeatedly used to show the moments when the family sits down to eat dinner together (despite one of the pair not actually particularly partaking in the meal.) As the story progresses, the issue of Megan not eating the food provided becomes a bigger and bigger problem, causing even more turmoil between the pair. This leads Deborah to become incredibly overwhelmed and violently force her daughter to eat. There are also moments where Deborah splats food on the table and begins shovelling food into not only herself but also her daughter. This was a very uncomfortable watch but perfectly captured the desperation, which is also further exaggerated in the closing moments of the show. These painful moments build even more tension, as the situation only continues to escalate as the show progresses.
One of the most important props used throughout the show is the ominous shotgun, which would have traditionally been used to hunt but is frequently picked up by both performers, again creating an intense sense of danger for both characters involved.At one point in the show, Deborah tries to prepare her daughter for what needs to happen should she encounter any of the dangers of the outside world. She encourages Megan to handle the aforementioned gun in order to protect herself. This scene sees Deborah transform herself into a range of characters, but most notably, she pretends to be a young child looking for their mother while encouraging Megan to shoot her, as this may be something she might need to do in the future. This transitions into Deb depicting what would happen if she herself was infected by the deadly disease sweeping the world. However, Megan becomes incredibly uncomfortable with shooting her own mother, which causes the scene to come to a very intense end.
In conclusion, The Hunger by Black Bright Theatre, starring Susan Jayne Robinson and Hollie Burgess, is an incredibly powerful, gripping and intense show that has audience members on the edge of their seats from the very first moment. The duo are clearly both insanely talented, with the more emotionally driven scenes being captured flawlessly. The meltdowns from Hollie are particularly poignant and moving. This is absolutely a show for a more mature audience due to the constant tension, depictions of violence and the darker sequences (as well as the constant reference to the looming shotgun), but any audience will be totally captivated by not only the two-person cast but also the relatable writing shared throughout.I would rate this show 5 out of 5 stars!
Rhysreviews 