Delicacy

This confronting black comedy is based on a recent real event. As such it becomes a modern horror story.

People may recall the social media appeal that attracted international attention when a man advertised for someone prepared to let him eat them. It was too gross for me to pursue if there was actually an outcome, but Victorian playwright Hobba’s long one-acter presents the first stage of what allegedly happened.

Dynamic young actor, Lucas Stibbard, returned to his roots at BAT to direct his first non-improvised playscript. He displays shrewdness and perception by including local favourite, Cameron Hurry (in his third play in a row at BAT). Hurry impresses us with his fearless, aggressive portrayal of Neil, the responder to that email.

Gregory Scurr earns his acting stripes playing the submissive, unassuming and biddable character, Denny, who sent the email appeal. Despite the distasteful topic, the real strength of this piece lies in the subtle power play that goes on as the boisterous, inconsiderate, foul-mouthed Neil is subdued emotionally to the point where he offers up to Denny the delicacy of the title.

This intimate theatre is ideal for Hodda’s grotesque piece. Denny’s cooking skill sends seductive aromas into the audience, none so frightening as the smell of his final culinary triumph. 

Stibbard, his Assistant Director, Nathan Sibthorpe, and the host of creatives who developed Delicacy, all deserve special applause.

Jay McKee

Photographer: Steve Bull