Anna Burnside reviews a production ‘with great pace and wit’.
Mikey has not been out for days. His home has become a 3D murder board, covered with papers, Post-It notes, cuttings, photographs and a tank of rank water that once contained a goldfish.
He has lured Holly into this squalor under the pretence of needing an ancient Maroon 5 CD back. In fact, it’s a cry for help: he needs his best friend, not a refresher course in student rock.
Mikey, expertly played by Kevin Lennon, has a serious case of post-lockdown zoomies and is convinced that he is psychic. Holly - Jo Freer bristling with suppressed rage - has just lost her mother and is not for indulging the pal who failed to come to the funeral.
In this updated and renamed version of The Prognostications of Mikey Noyce, originally seen at A Play, A Pie and A Pint in 2022, the pair zigzag through Mikey’s fears for the future and Holly’s relationship issues with reference to breasts, various world leaders and rich cake.
Writer Frances Poet knows exactly when to change gear and bring in Dani Heron as weird Green MSP Cassie.
Even with her as comic relief, it’s an intense 55 minutes that covers a lot of ground with great pace and wit. Jemima Levick’s direction keeps it under tight control as they hurtle towards an unexpectedly uplifting ending.
It’s a really strong piece of work that showcases just what is possible in the PPP format.
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Fruitcake performs at the Tron Theatre until May 16, 2025. For further details, go to the theatre’s website.
Photo by Eoin Carey.
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