What: Boys Taste Better With Nutella
Where: The Mill
When: 9pm 20 Feb, 6pm 21 Feb, 10.30pm 22 Feb, 3.30pm 23 Feb
How much: $18-$23, tickets here
Who among us can deny the guilty pleasure of eating Nutella straight from the jar? I may avoid the hazelnut spread nowadays due to palm oil concerns*, but I felt an immediate kinship with Aggie (Caitlin Hill), one of this show’s two main characters. Early in the show, we witness Aggie’s first meeting with her “second-best friend” (after Nutella), Frederick (Peter Wood), when they both reach for the last jar of Nutella at Coles after experiencing truly awkward romantic rejections.
(Image credit: Backyard Theatre Collective)
Boys Taste Better With Nutella is a lively, fast-moving and frequently hilarious show about the power of friendship and overcoming self-doubt. Although they express it differently, Aggie and Frederick are both dependent on something, whether it’s romantic relationships, food, or social media likes. Their stories are told through a delightful mix of fourth-wall-breaking comedy, song and dance, but underneath they are exploring several serious issues, including addiction, fatphobia and abusive relationships. Performances from both leads are fantastic, with their unflinching and irreverent style eliciting big laughs from the audience.
(Image credit: Backyard Theatre Collective)
Let me also digress for a moment to appreciate The Mill, a chic and welcoming little venue far from the sensory overload of the Garden, Gluttony or the RCC. We were greeted with a smile and a small but carefully curated selection of beer, wine and soft drinks for sale. I really enjoyed the chance to view works by The Mill’s resident artists while waiting for the show to start.
(Image credit: Backyard Theatre Collective)
Boys Taste Better With Nutella is a funny, warm-hearted and touching show featuring excellent dance moves and an almost indecent quantity of French fries and Nutella. See it with your best friend!
4 out of 5 stars
*I’m also lucky to live with someone crazy enough to put several hours of his time into making a ridiculously complicated bootleg version of Nutella, which you can find the recipe for here
Collage 