Writer: Madeline Farnhill
Director: Natalie Simone
Survival is at stake; it seems a horrific contagion brought about by processed meat has devasted the whole population. The way to fight the disease is to eat but where to get food?
Mother Deborah and daughter Megan live on an isolated farm in Yorkshire and keep pigs, so it appears they are not immediately threatened by hunger. Mother and daughter relationships can be difficult at the best of times, but when fear and terror are present which way do they turn? The Mother (Helen Fullerton) is strong and domineering, doing her best to keep them both alive. Megan (Maddie Farnhill) is revulsed by the situation and by her mother’s actions. Megan is terrified and tries to show compassion when a stranger appears, but are there devastating consequences as a result?
Farnhill has written a chilling and disturbing play. As the daughter she is superb; on lookout duties for intruders she stares out at the audience with haunted eyes building up the suspense and tension.
Fullerton is excellent as the mother. She perpetrates the fear and violence with a totally convincing overbearing manner. She will go to any lengths to protect her daughter.
Jack Goodison’s composition adds greatly to the suspense. The isolation and sense of paranoia is paramount. The story in parts is a little confusing. The horror and morals of the play are explored by Fullerton in a chilling, successful way.
Black Bright Theatre was formed during lockdown and The Hunger is a most professional performance. This one act play was a preview performance for the Edinburgh Fringe which will be performed at The Assembly Venues in August 2023. Well worth a visit.
Reviewed on 29 July 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Brave and terrifying
