All is Pink in West Berkshire County takes to the stage with an exuberance that few plays manage to achieve. True professionals through and through, the cast’s seamless navigation even of unexpected on-stage malfunctions only added to their charm, turning potential mishaps into hilarious character work.
When daughter Eve brings her working-class boyfriend Rory (or perhaps Reginald?) home to meet her upper-class parents, some of the right-wing humour and awkward faux pas are to be expected. But when human meat ends up on the menu in a future where meat is banned, anything but the expected starts to unfold.
Amidst a line-up of impressive talent, Matthew Dangerfield’s dynamic physical performance captivates. His electrifying presence could easily dwarf the others, but it’s a testament to the acting prowess of Ben Greenwood, Maisie Stalham, and Siobhan Ward that they harmoniously hold their own, ensuring the audience’s attention is equally distributed.
The narrative expertly intertwines drama with suspense, leading to not just one, but two jaw-dropping twists towards the climax. Exiting the theatre, I found myself reflecting upon the intricacies of each character – whether for better or worse, they certainly took me by surprise.
Beneath its thrilling storyline and commendable performances, All is Pink in West Berkshire County delivers a poignant message. In the midst of dystopia, the play paints a picture of the endurance of pig-headed right-wingers, offering a satirical nod to their omnipresence across apparently any reality. Moreover, it artfully digs into the universal human attraction to the forbidden, emphasising that even tainted meat can attract attention, even to an extent that knows no class boundaries.
All is Pink in West Berkshire County is a play that entertains, makes you reflect, and subtly delivers socio-political commentary. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate the fusion of exceptional acting, compelling narrative, and layered messaging – but perhaps not if you’re heading to a steak restaurant afterwards.
