Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make sets out a whirlpool of discussions about queer relationships, with pregnancy and the role of parenthood in lesbian relationships at its centre. It is a comedy laced with the complicated realities of queer life. Between every laugh, there is a pause of realisation that this is, in fact, reality and that the issues turned into jokes are difficult situations queer couples genuinely face. Writer Maria Telnikoff strikes a strong balance between comedy and the sombre moments that call for reflection.
The show opens with a montage of Claire and Daniel’s friendship, beginning with the drunken moment that sets the story in motion. At a university party, Claire asks Dan if he will be her sperm donor in the future, and he drunkenly, but eagerly agrees. Ten years later, he has held on to that promise, and the story unfolds from there. Telnikoff introduces several points of discussion that shape the dynamic between Dan, the best friend; Claire; and her girlfriend, Lou. Their relationship becomes a complicated triangle as Dan grows too involved. His persistent presence creates a wedge between Claire and Lou, and his involvement also raises questions about parenting roles. Claire expresses her struggle to feel connected to the pregnancy, as Lou is carrying the child, and she is unsure how she can be of service throughout the process. Though there are now various ways for queer couples to conceive, the show highlights how the practice remains deeply heteronormative.
The small stage is used to its full capacity, often showing two moments at once and using spotlights to draw attention to specific characters. The cast delivers convincing performances. Sophia Rosen-Fouladi, who plays Naomi (Dans girlfriend) and also Laura, the antenatal teacher, shifts between characters seamlessly through small physical changes such as simple costume adjustments, but mostly through characterisation. Her appearances as Laura become a running joke throughout the performance. Some characterisations, however, are less clearly directed. Tom Kingman, who plays Dan, is meant to be the naïve, supportive friend and the comic relief, constantly cracking up the audience. Yet his naïveté often reads as an ignorant man-child who is quite self-involved, spending much of the show whining. Even in serious moments, he is the only character who never fully strips down to vulnerability, remaining more of a comedy stock character.
Some themes feel brushed over and could have been explored further, such as Naomi not wanting children. When this is revealed, it causes a major rift between Claire, Lou, and the pregnancy. Yet it is only ever briefly addressed, despite its potential to spark a deeper discussion about women, motherhood, and even Dan’s motivations for being so involved. As it stands, it feels slightly tossed in to add more fuel to the complications. Another element that could have used more clarity is the expression of time. There are excellent and funny moments, such as the opening montage, or later when fake snow and leaves are tossed about, Christmas hats appear, and the new year is rung in. But in other scenes, the shift in time is unclear, making it difficult to understand how long certain decisions take or what stage the characters are at when key moments unfold.
The show touches on foundational discussion points around the complications that arise in queer relationships and pregnancy, choosing to portray these through a light‑hearted approach in keeping with a rom‑com sensibility rather than delving more deeply into them. The result is a warm, engaging production that delivers plenty of laughter and an enjoyable night out.
Review by Rim Alkaiat
Featured Image: Esther Carr (L) and Rachel Andrews in Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make (c) Fabiano Waters
Tickets : https://riversidestudios.co.uk/whats-on/mE-eggs-arent-that-easy-to-make/
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