Grandma is a drug dealer. Her grandson appears to be very special and her granddaughter regularly takes medication, seemingly to stop her eyeballs rolling out of her head. There’s also a copper who seems dead set on taking Grandma ‘downtown’. This is
Offensive, brash, and ever-so bizarre
Barmy, chaotic and often confusing, Wolf Meat takes us on a merry dance through the many problems of being a septuagenarian drug dealer. The police are constantly on Grandma’s tail in a variety of disguises, desperately trying to get her and her grandson Wolfie in as many compromising positions as possible..
Wildheart Theatre Company have created a fourth-wall-breaking show of mayhem. Their physical comedy is undeniable, and there are moments of brilliance (such as the actors breaking out of character to explain to the audience what they’re doing), yet the disorganised fun does feel a bit too disorganised. Wolf Meat contains some interesting songs (written by Grandma herself, don’t you know?) and the cast most definitely go for it during these moments. Mick Barnfather directs this rowdy bunch and the choreographed movement and dance is effective; though slightly more control might be needed throughout the majority of the dialogue. The space is used well, and the audience participation works, in places. The actors are clearly working very hard to engage a rowdy late night crowd who have been drinking since midday.
Wolf Meat is not a show for everyone. If you are easily offended, this is not for you. It’s not always clear whether the laughter is out of fear, awkwardness or genuine hilarity. This is very much a late night show. It’s offensive, brash, and ever-so bizarre, and the majority of the boozy audience seemed to enjoy the let loose approach. Don’t take your parents.
