Barely surviving in an apocalyptic, disease ridden world on a farm running scarily short of supplies. Meghan and Deborah take refuge on their farm as they protect each other from the outside world, but when their trust and relationship gets put in jeopardy – does your mum always know best?
The set was very simple and suited the piece nicely, the minimalist set with the dark lighting gave that survival thriller vibe and lended to the piece wonderfully. The dull lighting and use of lights to differentiate between day and night was smart and such an easy and useful way to change times quickly and effectively.
Helen Fullerton as Deborah was an authoritative figure on stage. Whenever Fullerton appeared, you felt the tension and she was in charge. She had a great presence and voice for the character. Her demeanour and physicality highlighted the effects of the world on her family and she plays the strict, controlling character perfectly, pulling the audience in favour of her daughter Meghan. Fullerton’s delivery of the dialogue creates a tension between the two and as the world unravels through Fullerton’s character, her delivery and vocal tones were perfect for the story, enticing the audience to want more details and also not trust Deborah at all.
Madeline Farnhill was a powerhouse on stage, even in the role of a frail, scared daughter who is oblivious to the reality of the situation. Farnhill gave one of the best and most frightening openings I personally have ever witnessed – with her bellowing scream from the entrance doors, terrifying myself and others in attendance. Farnhill had built a great, diverse character who the audience were fully behind from the off. Farnhill’s character arc was fantastic and her portrayal of fear and stress was perfectly delivered with her great ability.
In conclusion, The Hunger is a great new writing piece of horror theatre that not only brings you into the crazy, new world of life with “the disease”, but does so whilst offering great storytelling, a lovely chemistry between performers and very good acting overall.
P.S Massive shoutout to the man’s stomach that rumbled during the cannibalism reveal. Amazing comedic timing.
The Hunger is playing at Assembly George Square – Studio Four @ 1:10pm from August 23rd-28th.
Get your tickets here @ The Hunger | Theatre | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
Theatre Scotland 
Leave a comment