Bitesize Festival: Does My Privilege Look Big In This? – Riverside Studios, London

Writer: Siân Lawrence

Director: Eilidh Evans

The unusual and entertaining premise that forms the skeleton of Does My Privilege Look Big In This? is spurred on by Jess (Siân Lawrence) trying to figure out what her best friend Millie (Elle Davies) sees in her abhorrently posh Eton boyfriend Hugo (Leah Aspden). The answer is that all the Eton boys share a secret, something unexpected and frankly unbelievable. It’s a joyously silly premise that sets off a chaotic series of events in which Jess fully immerses herself in the Eton world.

The decision to have an all-women-presenting cast is strong. The gender politics within Does My Privilege Look Big In This? could get swallowed up by the class politics, but this very deliberate choice ensures it remains at the forefront. Lawrence, who is the writer as well as playing the lead role, has delivered a brave text, unafraid of displaying the vileness with which some men talk about women when they are not around.

Despite its entertaining premise, Lawrence’s play feels unrefined. One is never quite sure why Jess and Millie’s lives interact with Eton’s Hugo and Arnie (Molly Jones). But more importantly, the ratcheting up of stakes generates whiplash thanks to its uneven pacing. This is exacerbated by sudden leaps forward in time that betray a lack of ideas: we jump forward as a way of explaining why things have gotten more serious, but no other character growth or life events have taken place in the interim.

Character growth is a major issue in Does My Privilege Look Big In This? We are asked to care about the distance growing between Jess and Millie, but we get little sense of a strong bond between them in the first place. When the distance reaches breaking point, we have little emotional investment in the outcome. Embracing unlikeable characters is a valid and exciting direction to go in, but the structure of this dramatic arc relies on the audience liking the two friends at the core of the piece.

The quality of performance is variable; Jones appears the strongest of the performers and yet has the least stage-time. At other times, very little reacting is taking place, and perhaps more rehearsal time and a stronger sense of direction from Eilidh Evans can tighten up performances that do show promise. Some structural reworking may also be necessary from Evans. Certain movement-focused sections lack purpose, and rearrangements of the set feel unmotivated and clunky.

Does My Privilege Look Big In This? needs some extra work and a little ironing out, but it has a brave premise and real, tangible promise is displayed in Lawrence’s script and by the whole cast. Tackling class and gender politics simultaneously while keeping the experience entertaining is no mean feat, so there is much for the entire creative team to be proud of here.

Runs until 23 August 2026

Bitesize Festival runs until 31 August 2026