The same format I outlined in my review of Menu 2, with five unconnected mini-dramas played out in an hour.
Date with Death is a strong opener. Angela comes visiting with what looks to be an unusual package in hand, but it turns she's just found the perfect way to get out of awkward second dates off Tinder. Even the police want to know more.
In Someone Gets Shot there are two men, one gun, and no way out. Both find they have a lot in common, maybe too much to separate them and bring an end to a tense and difficult predicament.
The highlight of the package came next, Mrs Thrales lays on Tea. Dr Johnson comes to visit, but what sort of hospitality is he looking for? Maid Molly would prefer not to know. The dialogue might not be up to much, but this is a real test of acting skill, all down to inflection and non-verbal comms. All three of the cast do an excellent job in letting us know exactly what's going on.
I was less taken with number four, One of our Comedians is Missing. Reanimated zombie comedians flying into battle sounds like an intriguingly daft idea, but this had the feel of a premise stretched too far, even in only ten minutes.
But Just Desserts provided a strong ending. How do you stop the office thief from stealing your lunch from the fridge? When it's been going on for months drastic action is required, even if it leads to a bit of a moral dilemma. Nice bit of physical comedy in this one.
Overall this doesn't quite match up to the standards of Menu 2, so if you only have one chance to see these guys this is the one I'd pass over. But then you'd miss out on the wonderful Mistress Thrales, and that really would be your loss. So it's still a Recommended from me.
Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show is on in the Pleasance until 26 August. Menu 1 is performed on the 9th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 23rd and 26th.
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