Theatre / Alma Tavern and Theatre
Review: Milked, Alma Tavern & Theatre – ‘A fresh dark comedy with moments of reflection and plenty of laughter’
From Channel 4 award-winning playwright Simon Longman, Milked is a two-hander following early-twenty-something best friends Paul and Snowy.
Based in their countryside hometown, the pair are navigating finding themselves jobs and purpose when they come across an aggrieved cow in a nearby field. The dark comedy unfolds as they try to decide on a method of euthanasia, whilst figuring out their own futures as they ponder questions around adulthood, unemployment and moving on from home.
Both actors maintain their characters’ boyish charisma throughout the performance, and it’s the natural chemistry between the pair that really glues the play together. These lads will make everyone reminisce on moments from their own youth, as well as the dynamics and differences that make up a great friendship.
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There is Paul, the logical one who is looking for a job following his history degree, and Snowy, the gentle fool who is trying to find himself. This relationship shares a pacey narrative filled with youthful humour and playful banter.
The play gets straight to the point of the wider issues that scaffold its narrative. Unemployment; the cyclical plague of not getting a job without experience; mental ill health; and the ‘brain drain’ of graduates leaving their jobless countryside.
Milked – photo: Fresh Life Theatre
As the lads navigate these difficulties, the anxiety they feel is performed through raw and unashamed frustration, particularly by Paul who delivers brilliant moments of outrage and tantrums.
The performance is set to a minimal background with simple lighting. The aggrieved cow remains lying on stage throughout the performance, a ludicrous prop that remains a humorous trope as the pair chew over the bigger themes.
Milked is a fresh dark comedy offering its audience plenty of laughter interspersed with moments of reflection. It is ultimately a play about destiny. Not the kind of too overly-deep, soul-searching destiny, but a sprightly and easy performance that feels like a reassuring hand on the shoulder to anyone who is still ‘working it out’.
MILKED – poster: Fresh Life Theatre
Milked is at The Alma Tavern and Theatre until July 1, at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.tickettailor.com.
Main photo: Fresh Life Theatre
Read more: Review: My Soulmate’s Husband’s Soulmate, Alma Tavern & Theatre – ‘Engagingly entertaining’
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