The Bite-Size'd 'Breakfast in Bedlam'

White Room Theatre returns to the Fringe for its third year of ‘Bite-Size Breakfast’ productions. Coffee, croissants and strawberries accompany a series of ‘tales of ordinary madness’ that makes for a gentle, rather than riveting start to the day.

Founded in 2002, the company provides a platform for up-and-coming writers who have participated in international competitions and development events to showcase their work. There is a large pool of plays and actors that rotate regularly; consequently the pieces performed are something of a mixed bunch. Yet the diverse nature of these ten minute sets—ranging from comedy to dramatic monologues—ensure that something appeals to most.

In this instance, the show began with ‘Life as a Springer Show’; providing good interactive fun as the audience vote to direct the course of action. Whilst ‘Radio Foreplay’ pokes fun at the audience’s sense of humour, another act ‘Waiting for Hashim’ ridicules the traveller stereotype. Much more serious is ‘Stolen’, that deals with the traumas of a Catholic upbringing, but fails to captivate; and ‘The Actress’ Dilemma’ irritating in its reliance on word-play, is amusing at moments.

Despite clear differences in the various writers' capabilities, the performers flit between roles expertly. The neatly constructed and well timed show facilitates the creation of largely credible characters that engage the audience. A great assortment of simple, light- hearted entertainment, Bite-size’d 'Breakfast in Bedlam' fits its early slot well; providing a charming warm-up for the heavier shows on at the Fringe