REVIEW: Deep Fried – Webster’s Theatre, Glasgow

Based on his own experiences working beneath the Golden Arches, John Gerard Crossan along with co-writer Kyle Hamill have created Deep Fried a comedy set in a down-at-heel, Glasgow burger joint, Colonel McBurger.

It’s university dropout Daniel’s first week at his new job and along with pal Red, he negotiates his lazy co-workers, the grease and grime of the fast food industry, and his nightmare of a boss.

The premise for Deep Fried is a promising one and there’s plenty of funny material but at this stage (a run at the Fringe and a supporting slot to Glasgow sketch group Weegie Hink Ae That), it isn’t fully formed. It needs sharpening up and a greater coherence to the story. That said, there are some knock-out performances, Claire Docherty (Abbie) and Becky Niven (Jessica) are memorable, but the stand-out performance is that of Andrew Bilbie as Jeremy Clarkson/Alan Partridge hybrid Steve – the burger joint boss, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more finely tuned comedy turn on any professional stage.

Huge potential – just needs tightening up.