Writers: Ciaran Duce, Jack Staddon, Joseph Ollman, Kieran Urquhart
Director: Will Merrick
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Meta Madness“
4.5 / 5
Max is back home from L.A. and in a bit of a career slump. Being the face of teen drama ‘Wolf Boys’ was never his idea of fame, but now without that, he needs to come up with a new idea to get back in the spotlight, and fast.
A mysterious, royally wealthy fan takes a shine to Max (Joseph Ollman), and he unexpectedly agrees to bankroll Max’s new project – a play called Mates, about Mates. With no script, no concrete idea and not much time before the curtains need to come up – he gathers together 3 of his best friends and ropes them into the project, promising big cheques and critical acclaim. Problem is, none of them can agree on what the show should even be about – JJ (Kieran Urquhart) wants something packed with drama and tension, Luke (Ciaran Duce) wants to fight against the system and expose the elites, and Cosmo (Jack Staddon) wants to use his position of privilege to shine a light on inequalities and make a show that’s meaningful. While the four friends brainstorm and bicker, time is running out – the Prince wants to see the play in it’s final form, and despite testing each idea out, they’re still no closer to a finished script.
This play-within-a-play-within-a-play is equal parts silly and smart, making a fantastic combination that entertains and intrigues from beginning to end. The opening scene for the four in their ‘Wolf Boy’ costumes is a brilliant indication for how ridiculous the play is, packed with jokes and real laugh out loud humour. But the constant stream of jokes aren’t just funny to be funny, they also help construct a brilliant additional layer of self-awareness, and explore the intricacies of the characters. The meta aspects of the boys rehearsing, and constructing their multiple ideas are well-done, showcasing the process and the various character pushbacks at every hurdle. It’s a very clever show, that keeps you engaged with brilliant comedic timing for the four talented actors.
Each of them have their own character personality – but it never feels forced to fit in with the storyline, it’s naturally done and believably executed. Duce plays the conspiracy obsessed Luke with fantastic conviction, his excitable ramblings about lizard people and WEF very humorously done. Staddon’s sensitivity to life’s afflictions balances this out brilliantly, with Cosmo’s play idea about an empathy led medical centre being one of the mini show highlights. Ollman’s confidence and calm makes him great for the role of jaded Hollywood star, his flippant background reactions to other characters lines keeping him constantly in character. Urquhart plays JJ phenomenally, his erratic behaviour, and fizzing energy, extremely funny to watch, each of their personalities creating great chemistry while remaining a believable bunch of friends. Merrick ensures each scene transitions into the next smoothly and with great pacing. One of the final scenes on the island with each character performing an emotive monologue lasts a beat too long, but the following bonkers scenes after it are so bizarrely brilliant, that it re-energises the show completely.
Theres so much packed into Mates that it’s almost like a fever dream, just a very well-crafted one! A funny, unique show, that samples a variety of genres, cleverly showcases friendship and connection, and gives an entertaining behind the scenes look of putting together a play.
Runs until 23rd August 2026
This sounds really good!!!
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