Review ‘Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make’:”Scrambled narrative leads to audience’s hard-boiled reaction”

London’s Riverside presents this play exploring new parenthood through the lens of an atypical household. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if its yolked premise comes out half-baked or poached.

I don’t know what it is, but it seems like the subject of pregnancy is getting momentum in the current fringe offer. Maybe it’s a way of escapism. For anyone from my generation and below, the idea of becoming a parent has been turned into an improbable fantasy. Yet, it’s always appealing to explore the trials and tribulations of a non-traditional family, and all the arduous steps they must go through to make it happen. Or it would have been, if that exploration had actually happened.

There’s an interesting concept pulsating underneath Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make, a new play by Maria Telnikof involving a lesbian couple, Claire and Lou, trying to find a sperm donor so they can birth their first child. Frustrated after going through hundreds of candidates, they realise the solution had always been right next door. Claire’s best friend, Daniel, had already offered to help her years ago, and he’s determined to support her — perhaps, a little too much.

Despite the solidity of its premise, the shells are barely cracked throughout what ultimately comes across as a half-cooked script. There’s an idea of a conflict, but not a proper execution of it. And its flavourlessness is pungent. None of the characters goes through a well-defined arc. Nor do they experience any emotional journey. Events take place, but they rarely permeate. And that’s primarily due to the roles’ severe lack of personality.

All the personages are dull and sketchy. There are no traits that provide them with individuality, let alone contribute to the narrative’s evolution. Not even the dynamics of their relationships change or suffer in the slightest. Every problem is solved the moment it is introduced. Consequently, the plot cannot progress in a manner that feels compelling and engaging to the viewer. And neither can the characters grow.

The dialogue is adequately written in terms of flow and naturalness. There is no subtext, however, and its humour rarely lands. In the author’s defence, the cast’s struggles with comedic timing might have affected the effectiveness of some lines. Yet, the overall absence of wit is evident. And it’s blandness that ultimately takes over.

Despite the company’s difficulties with the piece’s tongue-in-cheek aspects- with the possible exception of Sophia Rosen-Fouladi -, their performances are still competent and enjoyable for the most part, brimming with chemistry and organicness. Sadly, though, none of them exhibits enough layering, resulting in one-dimensional renditions where the human element is whisked away.

Although there are a few sunny sides in its delivery, the audience’s final impression is likely to be of a curate’s egg. Its appetising ingredients are wistfully reduced to a small fry, treated vacuously and simmered down to a point of irrelevance and tastelessness. There’s still a chance to expand its concept and turn it into a much more filling content. For that to happen, though, they should flip its approach, as it’s currently too deadpan.

All pictures credit to Fabiano Waters.

Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make plays at London’s Riverside Studios until 12 April. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara