Fruit Flies, Space 2 at theSpace on the Mile Review
Fruit Flies, written by Will Evans, is a comedy-driven piece in which Maddy visits her childhood gay best friend, Olly, to attend a Chapel Roan concert with his flatmate, Steph. Only to be sucked into worlds where the three are pitted against each other, in more ways than one.
Starting as a very classic fringe show about the clashes of friendship and developing into a fast-paced, quick-witted piece. Always keeping its audience on its toes, Evans' writing thrives throughout, the audience lapping up every joke with glee. And for what seems like the smartest line I’ve heard in the entirety of the Fringe, when the two girls fight on stage, the line “for those who can’t see at the back” feels dignifying in a space that suffers from what I call the flat floor Fringe curse.
It has to be said, though, that the piece shines because of its cast, each bringing their own unique characteristics that don’t just serve the plot but serve full stop. Erin McGivern and Eilidh Barn play the warring women with an operatic air, almost like they're part of a telenovela. Whilst Nathan Cathcart’s Olly carries an uneasy feeling that only grows as the piece proceeds but still being able to breathe in the comedic moments.
My only issue with the piece (if having to nitpick) would be the limited costume changes. With what’s explored in the play, it would have been nice to have another visual aspect when a space changed, but I can understand that time is limited and can take up time that instead could be used to explore character arcs.
Nonetheless, Fruit Flies evolves itself from what could have been a generic fringe piece into something so much more, providing its audience with comedic joy. And also, that there's nothing in Ayr (trust me, I lived there for four years).
Fruit Flies plays at Space 2 at theSpace on the Mile until 29 August.
★★★★★
Written by Kerry for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
