National Loaf @ Paradise in the Vault

Charlotte Productions take on the WWll rationing crisis at Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. National Loaf, however, fails to rise to the occasion.

Set in a northern England rationing office, run by the laid back Captain Johnson (Thomas Broadhead), trouble brews as Colonel Huffkins (Joey Thurston) pays a visit to his new jurisdiction. Locals who often visit the rebellious Captain Johnson to sell him black market goods turn up adding humour to what should be a serious visit.

Unfortunately, these locals do not provide the level of humour required to save the poorly written script. Molly, played by the writer and director Laura Witz, comes across as rather funny in her role as the ditzy butcher, although the comedy does not translate for any of the other parts. It is not clear why Maggie (Jessica Flood) has such a loud voice and has to shout all lines – assumably for comic effect though it is not explored enough to create any level of real humour, which is a shame as Flood’s acting skills may be better than those demonstrated in this performance. The same applies to Thomas Broadhead (Captain Johnson).

The rest of the cast overact, constantly trying to be humorous but only delaying any form of plot. The whole performance feels under-rehearsed and improvised, stumbling over lines as though they do not know what they really want to say. This may be a script issue as well as an acting one.

Charlotte Productions believe in focusing on women's stories throughout history; however this production feels dominated by the two male roles, sketching out the female characters as uneducated. Although it’s obvious the company are aiming to portray strong female roles, this does not come across well. It just doesn't feel like a fair portrayal of the women who lived during WWll, who really did display the strength and humour necessary for survival.