★★★★★
From Love Island to Love Is Blind to Too Hot to Handle—TV dating shows are everywhere. But, would you actually go on one yourself? Would you be able to market yourself towards TV producers in the name of love? Have you ever wondered what might happen if you did? Well, look no further, because For the Plot will answer all your questions and maybe leave you with a few more!
Produced by Microwave Meals, the show follows the love story between Big Mike (Jayden Everia) and Anoushay (Anoushay Okhai). They are two friends that fell in love on a TV dating show and in turn became the nation’s very own Romeo and Juliet. Well, sort of. The only caveat is that their relationship is entirely fictional.
The show’s beginning mimics the opening of a reality dating show. Flic (Felicity Herbert), the show’s presenter, is absolutely hilarious. Herbert sets the tone almost too well—yes it’s exaggerated and kitsch but that’s the whole point! Then we have the introduction of Big Mike and Anoushay whose performances are once again, massively unsubtle but so well-paced and on the money. Anoushay’s partner, George (George Brooke) and the Stage Manager (Elena Veris Reynolds)—who actually is the stage manager too, maintain a warm and exciting presence in their supporting roles.
The show is reminiscent of a sketch show from the 1990’s/early noughties. Clear comparisons can be made between For the Plot and shows such as The Fast Show, Smack the Pony and Goodness Gracious Me. It uses slapstick comedy and on-the-nose wit like no other show I have personally seen on the Fringe.
There are many scripted hesitations, comedy gaffs and malapropisms that are executed so well and just work! They all help to reinforce that this is a satirical, highly skilled critique of reality TV dating shows. In essence, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously and as already established, it pays off.
Physicality is fundamental to the show’s success. Okhai’s facial expressions are impeccably timed—they are simply so expressive and match every line of dialogue Anoushay says. Everia’s literal presence as Big Mike is unforgettable. He carries himself with the arrogance, self assurance and authority that aligns so well with the stereotypical image everyone has in their head of a TV dating show contestant. In short, the execution of physical comedy in this show is unmatched!
For the Plot is a 50 minute masterclass in satire. It’s kitsch and full of slapstick—but completely worth it! The show takes a deep dive into the secrets behind the staged kisses and show-mantic gestures—dissecting the peculiar realities of TV dating shows, whilst remaining witty and wickedly unsubtle throughout. The cast are superbly polished; effortlessly invested in their roles from start to finish. This show will be going to the most incredible of places and has an exciting future ahead of it, so catch it if you can—especially if you are having Love Island withdrawals!
For the Plot will run until 23 August at 236 Fern Studio at Greenside @ George Street as part of Edinburgh Fringe.
Words by Cory Gourley
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