Exclusive Review: 'Most Favoured' at Soho Theatre - A Morning-After Play with Finger-Lickin' Appeal
David Ireland's latest theatrical offering, Most Favoured, currently running at the Soho Theatre in London, proves that even the most fleeting encounters can yield rich comedic and emotional depth. This morning-after comedy, though brief in duration, delivers a satisfyingly witty and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.
A Transatlantic Encounter with Unusual Priorities
The play centres on Michael, a somewhat clueless American tourist portrayed by Alexander Arnold, best known for his roles in Poldark and Skins. Following a one-night stand with Glaswegian Mary, played by Lauren Lyle of Outlander fame, the pair navigate the awkward aftermath in a Travelodge room during the Edinburgh Festival. While Mary reveals her unconventional quest to become pregnant through casual encounters, Michael remains remarkably unfazed, his attention firmly fixed on the remaining pieces in his KFC Bargain Bucket.
This juxtaposition creates the play's central comedic tension: as Mary shares her heartfelt revelation that their encounter made her feel loved for the first time, Michael responds with an equally passionate, orgasmic description of his Kentucky Fried Chicken experience. The running gag involving Colonel Sanders and the iconic fast-food chain adds a layer of absurdist humour that contrasts sharply with the emotional vulnerability on display.
A More Meditative Approach from David Ireland
Unlike Ireland's more satirical works such as Ulster American, which featured Woody Harrelson, Most Favoured adopts a more reflective, contemplative tone. The humour here is subtle and character-driven rather than provocative, allowing the audience to gradually uncover the deeper themes beneath the surface comedy. Director Max Elton masterfully maintains this balance, ensuring the production never overstays its welcome while packing substantial thematic weight into its concise format.
Elton's direction wastes no time in establishing the peculiar dynamic between the two characters, guiding the audience through laughter and contemplation in equal measure. Long before the play's revelations unfold, viewers sense that this brief encounter represents something more significant than a casual fling, adding emotional resonance to the comedic exchanges.
A Perfectly Portioned Theatrical Experience
Running at just 45 minutes, Most Favoured explores surprisingly substantial themes including love, rejection, spirituality, and yes, fried chicken, without ever feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The early start and finish times make it an ideal theatrical aperitif, allowing audiences to enjoy a complete narrative arc while still having ample time for dinner in Soho's vibrant streets afterwards.
The production benefits significantly from strong performances by both leads. Arnold brings an endearing obliviousness to Michael that makes his chicken obsession both hilarious and strangely poignant, while Lyle delivers a nuanced portrayal of Mary's complex emotional landscape, balancing vulnerability with determination.
With tickets starting at £14 and running until January 24, Most Favoured represents excellent value for theatregoers seeking intelligent, compact entertainment. This production demonstrates that sometimes the most satisfying theatrical experiences come in small packages, leaving audiences both entertained and thoughtfully engaged.
