Why We Ate Cliff Richard: 3 star review by Gill Smith

Fandom turns dark in this comic tale of a pop idol, his fervent fans, and the quest for survival.

A high-paced start running around with suitcases introduces us to the three-strong cast. Geeky fan Tony (Jonathan Donahoe), and his laid back, but hypoglycaemic friend Harry (Daniel Benoliel) are going on a summer holiday to Castle Cliff. In the background, Chad Mason plays a gentle Hank Marvin, strumming his guitar and occasionally joining in the action in subtle ways. Tony is a serious Cliff geek, and its only on the journey he realises Harry is just there as his friend, not a fan. Despite this, they make it to the Bachelor Boy Hotel, in the Swiss Alps. Tonys excited by Cliffs merchandise, including the Omelator for making omelettes, with some nice gags. Hank just watches.

In turns, the other two also play Norman, the Cliff Organiser, with the same silly voice and explanation, so theres no risk of confusion. The first Norman offers Cliff Bingo and the Cliff tombola. Theres a fancy dress costume debate, and Harry and Tony are the Summer Holiday bus. Normans back (rather taller) and says they missed dinner, but its tombola time.

While the title makes this sound potentially contrived, the show isnt. Writer / performers Jonathan Donahoe and Daniel Benoliel have managed such careful weaving of each plot aspect needed to justify eating Cliff, that even with the giveaway title, how it all happens is still good, darkly comic entertainment.

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Car crashes, exotic locations and the constant threat of death - like the 'Bourne' trilogy, with Cliff Richard instead of the CIA. A hilarious new show about what happens when you meet, and eat, your heroes. www.weatecliff.com