One of Each
Wetherby Whaler, Guiseley/Touring
5/5

One of two plays currently being toured by Mikron Theatre — the other, Raising Agents, celebrates the centenary of Women’s Institutes — One of Each is the savoury tale of a family separated by the sea but united by the nation’s favourite dish.

Deborah McAndrew’s latest production homes in on the scoop landed by unscrupulous journalist Meriel Hacker (Rachael Henley) when Sir Caspian (James McLean) launches a contest to win the Golden Fish-Fork Trophy for the best fish and chips in Britain.

In the process, he nets far more than “one of each” when estranged twins Rod and Nettie Whale (Steve McCourt and Ellen Chivers) are shortlisted for their rival establishments, The Pickled Egg and The Silver Darling.

At stake is more than sibling rivalry but also their food — cod or haddock — and philosophies — old-fashioned frying techniques versus Heston Blumenthal-style high-tech cooking.

Both are effectively put to the public vote in this interactive play, which ensures the outcome is going to be different every night.

That participation is only one way that Mikron engages with the audience by staging the play at non-traditional venues in order to capture people who wouldn’t usually go to the theatre. Their tour schedule takes in fish-and-chip restaurants, allotments and hospices.

Performance in such varied locations is made possible due to Kate Morton’s minimalistic set, which is little more than netting and a plastic seagull, as well as the four capable actors playing multiple roles — switching accents and characters with the addition of a hat or pipe — in addition to a range of instruments.

The musical interludes help develop the plot, while also providing information about potatoes being grown in space and the Icelandic cod wars.

The folk and music hall traditions employed in the production add a homely quality to this warm and engaging comedy.
Tours until September 8, details: mikron.org.uk