The Wedding Reception may seem significantly costlier than the average Fringe ticket, but take in to consideration that its duration is equivalent to two and a half shows which includes a very pleasant three course meal and this is actually excellent value. While it may not offer the highest quality or most original theatre in town, it is undoubtedly entertaining.
In contrast to traditional staging where the audience sit in silence in a dark room, this is a very sociable experience. In the setting of a nice hotel’s function room, the players interact with us and each other, the action taking place all around us, next to us and occasionally on the table in front of us. In turn, conversations strike up easily among attendees at the large round dining tables, making it also a lovely way to meet and chat with fellow Fringe goers. Immersive theatre and food are such marvellous bedfellows, that it seems a pity there is so little of this in Edinburgh currently. The Wedding Reception caters for a mainstream crowd, with stereotyped characters and obvious humour (which has its place and appeal), but it’s a reminder that as a genre there’s so much potential for more of this kind of thing – especially shows that would offer an alternative, original and left field fusion of eating and interactive (or even improvised) theatre.
The company succeed in orchestrating several moments of chaotic hilarity and work hard to ensure everyone in the audience is involved and entertained. While it is farce and so requires exaggeration, there’s a good deal of overacting, with the notable exception of the groom, who is played with a greater degree of realism. But regardless of tastes in acting styles, the cast maintain a steady stream of often raucous laughter right through this comparatively lengthy show. There’s certainly never a dull minute, as this group leave us suitably well fed and entertained.