From the first knowing grin that Franks flashes to the audience, she holds them all in the palm of her hand. Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates) follows a Liverpudlian who heads off to Cambridge as the first member of her family to go to college. Class culture shocks and existential crises ensue, resulting in a heartfelt exploration of what it means to mix different worlds, and how to hold onto your identity as you do it.
Franks does a lot with a little, artfully using timing of comedic bits with lighting and sound changes to great effect. The costuming is also well thought out, with details as small as ripping off false eyelashes during a monologue adding to the well-crafted character on stage.
Franks’ skilful character work allows her to seamlessly switch between a whole host of voices and personas with a finesse you wouldn’t expect from a Fringe debut. While she could have waited a beat longer for some of the bigger laughs to hit, and the pace of some of the emotional beats needed more room, there’s little else to critique in her performance.
All of this comes together to deliver a heartfelt story that offers a rare mix of heart and genuine comedic wit. The clashing worlds of upper-class and working-class youth may not be a new one, but it’s one that certainly still needs to be heard. The delivery is incredibly authentic, so much so that there’s hardly a dry eye in the room during the final bows.
Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates) is not one to miss this Fringe, offering belly laughs and emotional beats aplenty.
