The messaging of this production of Fat Ham is clear. And at the same time, it is nuanced in its exploration of identity, inter-generational conflict, and abusive relationships. Much of this is down to the subtly crafted script of playwright James Ijames which moves from parody to poignancy, and from self-deceit to honesty with ease.

The action takes place at a backyard barbecue to celebrate the wedding of Juicy’s mother, Tedra, to his uncle, Rev. If this isn’t enough to plant thoughts of Hamlet in your mind, then the appearance of Juicy’s father in the form of a ghost surely is. Special effects work their magic as smoke flows from his sleeves and envelop him as he falls back into his grave.

Through the character of Juicy, the play presents a young man seeking to free himself from the bonds of an abusive father and from normative expectations on his sexuality and choice of career. This is mirrored in various ways by others of his generation. Opal wishes to break free from her domineering mother who has her life mapped out for her. Opal’s brother, Larry, a soldier in the army, equally wants to pursue his own sexual orientation and life ambitions.

Juicy is not only constrained by the demands of his dead father’s ghost, but also by choices made by his mother. She, it would seem, has swapped an oppressive relationship with his father to another which looks very similar with his uncle/stepfather, Rev. From Juicy’s perspective not much has changed.

And so as the plot thickens, or more to the point, as the barbeque is prepared, so things start to sizzle. Especially the dynamic between Rev as main man and Juicy, who lives with the ghost of his father’s command to take revenge on his uncle who had his father killed. Splitting him open is the preferred means of slaughter. References to pork and the appearance of sausages say it all.

If this isn’t enough, then throw in a menacing game of charades, karaoke singing accompanied by wonderful interpretative actions by the cast, and a notable scene in which Larry reflects back to Juicy his softness, vulnerability and thoughtfulness, all the while reflecting these qualities in himself. And, from time to time, some of the original text from Hamlet is delivered with quite some impact.

All of the main characters excel. Olisa Odele as Juicy fulfils the brief of vulnerability and thoughtfulness. Andi Osho as Tedra would not like to be considered in the same light but, beneath her brash appearance, her performance conveys the truth. Sule Rimi manages the doubling of Rev with the ghost of Juicy’s father admirably. Jasmine Elcock is the feisty Opal and Corey Montague-Sholay gives a transformational performance as Larry.

Kieran Taylor-Ford as Tio and Sandra Marvin as Rabby give wonderful character performances. The biggest laughs of the evening were probably reserved for them. Brash, entertaining and visually arresting, this is above all a thoughtful production which is well worth catching.