Out of context: it’s bonkers - with context: it’s still just as bonkers.
Thriving in it’s absurdism, ‘Cheesy Cheesy Catchy Mousey’ is almost too silly to think it will have an overarching message. It could even get away with not having one. This comedy pretends to not take itself too seriously, but if you want to find a moral of the story, there’s plenty to choose from.
A show that encourages the audience to cast votes on their phones throughout for the chance to influence the plot. Another opportunity to interact with the show comes at the interval if you choose to volunteer yourself - which of course I did! If you’re always drawn to a show with elements of interaction, like I am, ‘Cheesy Cheesy Catchy Mousey’ will be of great entertainment to you.
‘Do mice like cheese?’ This is pivotal. I promise. Or at least it is to Sam, our leading character played brilliantly by Helder Fernandes. His sheer grit and determination to find an answer to this laughable question is extremely wholesome, but you wouldn't dare not take him seriously. Joining him in a variety of roles each are Nkhanise Phiri, Anya Sayadian, Ben Keenan and Jacob Lovick. My favourite roles for each, respectively, were the Guardian, Janet (Sam’s Mum), Wikipedia, and THE CHEESEMONGER! Lovick’s Cheesemonger was genuinely the highlight of my night. Every line cracked me up as it was exactly my humour. Acting as an anxious little thing, deadpan did not want to be there and constantly wanting to leave, it reminded me of the times when I want to revoke my membership to be an extrovert.
The beauty of this show is not knowing what you’re in for - nothing is off limits. Sometimes the layers of craziness get a bit much, almost too over the top, to be able to follow the genuine key points. Although, I guess this can still lend itself to the absurdist nature of the theatre piece.
I do want to commend the great level of self-awareness of ‘Cheesy Cheesy Catchy Mousey’. Writer Mark Daniels understands the heights to which he is taking the comedy and the risks it could potentially be exposed to. However, casuals breaks of the fourth wall and the acknowledgement of how seemingly nonsensical the show is was noted and appreciated. As the audience start to second guess what they’re watching, so do the characters and they do not shy away from making a point of this.
An utterly chaotic 90 minutes, I was unsure how they would tie it altogether. Still experiencing madness throughout the second (short) act, the clock was ticking. The ‘snowflake’ inside of me can happily report we did in fact achieve a satisfying conclusion. I say no more as I cannot spoil this ridiculous nugget of fringe theatre.
Reviewers were directly called out as being in the audience, to hopefully leave and write some nice comments about the performance. Hiding in my seat so not to be suspected, my grin expressed how funny I found this. This did not sway my judgement though, this show is honestly just pure fun and deserves great remarks, which I also heard from the audience surrounding me, obviously a great sign!
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AD | gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Oli Stones