It’s a secret epidemic, one that affects every new generation of young people. The recruitment process, a painful yet universal reality for so many. Not Quite from company Thick ’N’ Fast dives into this strange world of hand shakes, assessments, buzz words and power-plays; emerging triumphant after managing to turn relatable but banal subject matter into colourful and engaging storytelling.
The interview system provides endless opportunity for comedic plundering.
Georgie and Cassie are our heroes venturing out against a big, scary employment Goliath. They are portrayed skilfully and energetically, with top-tier commitment and exuberance helping to bring a wonderfully witty script to life. We watch their job interviews, feeling like a hopeful sports crowd rooting for a couple of plucky underdogs. The interview system provides endless opportunity for comedic plundering, the ridiculous style perfectly illustrating the ridiculousness of the whole process – the right shoe is very important, apparently. The story takes some ingenious turns towards some hilarious and very memorable moments.
Not Quite is very much emboldened by hilarious and vibrant stylisation, but at times the devising here can feel slightly underpowered. Opportunities for experimentation and growth instead remain basic, with images that stick out sorely against the inventive heights that the show reaches later and that the company are obviously so capable of creating.
In addition, moments of collaboration between the script and performance are often sabotaged as the script’s wit isn’t always matched by that of the performance. With subject matter that has such obvious possibility for re-evaluation post #Metoo, it is interesting to note that this was a thread not pulled on. It could be understandable that the company just wants to remain in comedic territory and rather not attempt to untangle such a tricky and careful issue, but is an investigation that could have perhaps been a missing ingredient for a contrastingly more rounded show.
Not Quite is a lot of fun, and a fantastic addition to your fringe schedule. With any luck, it will get companies thinking about the efficiency and effectiveness of their recruitment processes – which would be great as my best pal is dying to move out of his parents’ house in Stirling and join us in London. Keep trying matey, Cassie and Georgie have your back.
