Hungry is a hilariously funny play that explores class, queerness, cultural appropriation, food and the cost of gentrification.
Chris Bush’s play is an amazing story about a chef – Lori – and waitress Bex who one night get together in a walk in fridge and the rest is history. The story follows the two as Lori wants to teach Bex about the finer things in life whilst Bex believes that there is no point as “noone on minimum wage has the headspace to make their own yoghurt”.
Bush’s writing is impeccable in this play. The story is so developed and funny but you can also see the pain of Bex in the writing alone without an actor even taking to the stage. The idea to have the story told in a nonlinear way can sometimes confuse audiences, however the concept that Hungry was told almost as two flashbacks was perfectly done. The fact that half the show was the story of their relationship from the beginning and the other half was the climax at the wake of Bex’s mum and the timeline of their relationship moved linearly every second scene was a smart way to utilise the idea and it was all wonderfully brought together by the fact that the context of the linear journey was the context of the following scene taking place at the wake. This was just unbelievably well put together and executed. The comedy landed flawlessly and the flow of the dialogue and naturalistic approach to the relationship and situations that develop through time really draws the audience into every word as almost every word has an impact to the story. This was shown through the use of lights during the story of their relationship, whenever something was said – almost a red flag – by Lori that would lead to their final argument – whether it be culturally inappropriate comments or body shaming her mother or denying her alcohol abuse – you would get a slight flicker of light to show the cracks forming which is a subtle but effective touch by lighting designer Rajiv Pattani. All in all a very impressive and amazing story.
Eleanor Sutton was fantastic as the character of Lori. Her energy and charismatic mannerisms were eye-catching for the audience. Doing a nonlinear play is were an actor can showcase a well thought out character arc as the arc isn’t acted from point A to point B, and both performers smashed this out of the park. Lori was a ditsy but professional woman overcome by her love and emotions and Sutton plays this with ease and is very good with her physicality/body language and physical comedy. During Bex’s dialogue, you could always see Sutton reacting to every line and this further developed her character heading towards the big argument.
Melissa Lowe was a stand out as Bex. Her portrayal of the character and understanding of the journey her character was taking was tremendous. Everything from her comedic timing, to the realism of her acting and build of tension was spot on. Lowe held the audience in the palm of her hand during her big moment towards the end of the play and never ceased to amaze them with the emotion in her performance – whether it was funny, loving or broken. Both Lowe and Sutton are powerhouse performers and will blow audiences away in whatever productions they take on.
In conclusion, Hungry is a show that will give the audience every single emotion they want. It is an incredible story with an incredible team behind it. Paines Plough are definitely a company to keep an eye out for.
Get your tickets for ‘Hungry’ below playing ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall until 28th August (except 23rd):
Theatre Scotland 
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