Londoners Magazine

Gemma Aldridge takes in Abi Titmuss’s stage debut, and finds her performance and the play’s philosophy are intermingled.

Fat Christ, King’s Head

Fat Christ by Gavin Davis is a break-from-the-norm comedy charting one man’s endeavour to succeed in life.

Jack Taylor (played by himself) represents the desire in us all to become bigger, better, more successful and richer.

But he is average, lives with his pregnant wife Lily (Jennifer Matter), and struggles to make ends meet.

He fantasises about getting a break that will allow him to forget his money worries and achieve the success he feels is owed to him.

Several harebrained schemes end in disaster and Jack finds himself cleaning windows for a living, distinctly dissatisfied with his lot.

The plot takes a Faustian turn, as Jack agrees to sell himself to a prestigious art dealer in search of fame and fortune.

Part of the bargain is the staging of his own crucifixion, with hilarious consequences.

Downie and Titmuss’s characters, a couple longing for excitement in the midst of financial security and material comfort, are well developed and relatable, even if Titmuss’s performance as Susan is a little wooden.

The play’s strength is that it gives the audience an opportunity to laugh, not only at the characters, but also at themselves.

It is impossible to watch without drawing similarities between your own aspirations and those of its protagonists.

The extreme representation of wishes, concerns and worries, which we have all experienced at one time or another is highly amusing as well as reassuring.

It is refreshing to be told that it’s alright to be average.