Moss Meunier
Plenty of Fish in the Sea is a theatrical experience that will completely change the way you feel about fish soup—and fishing, for that matter. Who knew that casting a line could be so… sensual? This absurd and dreamlike show blurs the lines between metaphor and surrealism, offering an experience as unsettling as it is hilarious. It takes the familiar phrase “plenty of fish in the sea” and turns it into a literal and strange journey where the boundaries of reality are deliciously blurred.
The play begins with two enigmatic French women living in an ancient monastery, who mysteriously fish a man out of the sea. Was he once a fish, or merely a castaway? The ambiguity of his origin is part of the charm; it doesn’t really matter in this world where logic is suspended, and the dreamlike narrative takes precedence. The man’s arrival sets the stage for a story that feels like the best kind of trip—where you simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
As the man integrates into the women’s world, he becomes ensnared in their obsession with fish and fishing. This culture is portrayed with a fervor that straddles the line between zealotry and sensuality. Fishing, in this context, becomes a metaphor for seduction—requiring patience, a delicate touch, and an addictive satisfaction. As the man delves deeper into this world, he finds himself increasingly lost in a maze of desire, where nothing seems to satiate, and the hunger for more grows ever ravenous.
The brilliance of Plenty of Fish lies not just in its narrative, but in its execution. The performers move with a fluidity that makes the show feel like a dance, their skilled choreography turning each scene into a mesmerizing tableau. Even when unexpected set mishaps occur, they are handled with such deft humor and silliness that they become a seamless part of the performance, adding to the overall charm.
The set is a masterpiece of creativity, using just a few pieces and some ingenious choices to transport the audience to the coastline and the ancient monastery. The use of props is equally inventive, with glittery red paper standing in for fish gutting—a choice that is both absurd and oddly beautiful. The performers know when to play up the silliness and when to dial up the intensity, creating a perfect balance that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
As the play unfolds, the cast becomes increasingly absorbed in their dreamlike world, and the audience is taken along for the ride. The tableaus created on stage are nothing short of mesmerizing, pulling the audience into an unbelievable dreamland that feels both strange and familiar. It’s a world where desire is as fluid as the sea, and where fish are not just fish, but symbols of something much deeper and more primal.
It’s a brilliantly creative, silly, and strange piece of theatre that will leave you feeling slightly disoriented and utterly entertained. The only downside? You might find yourself feeling a bit uncomfortable the next time you visit the fish aisle at the supermarket.
Recommended drink: One should always pair fish with a nice white wine.
You can catch Plenty of Fish in the Sea at Assembly George Square Studios – Studio two from August 8th until the 24th (not 11th & 19th) at 11:25. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Jake Mace
Phoebe Bakker
