Three battery chickens awaiting processing into food seems like an odd choice of subject matter for a comedy show, but shows like this are what the Edinburgh Fringe is for. Three Chickens Confront Existence is a mix of light-hearted observational comedy and terrifying existential angst that works as both a meditation on the meaninglessness of everything and an amusing affirmation of life at the same time.
Our three chickens are very different from each other; Reginald is a nerd who thinks they can control the world through calculations and deep thought, Helen clings onto the hope that working hard is its own reward and Brosenan, our central chicken, has already drifted into hopelessness and hedonism. Between them, they debate and bicker about why they are here.
The chickens are locked in their cages, and the visual effect of three actors in large feathered suits, trapped behind a cage, is very striking, though it’s surprising how quickly the audience gets used to it. The plot is more a series of short skits along a theme. This is essentially a story about three inmates awaiting death, so the humour is inevitably dark and nuanced.
Three Chickens Confront Existence has all the vibe of the sort of animated short film you used to see back in the 70’s and 80’s; a thing that looks cute on the surface but actually carries a profound (though vague) message at its heart. The cartoon-like feel is enhanced by superb comic timing and delivery. It’s the sort of show that stays with you for months afterwards.
Absurd, comic, morbid and unforgettable.
You can book tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe show here and learn more about the future shows here.
