A Hilariously Spoiled Review of All Things Fair
Imagine a world where Shakespeare had a modern-day, slightly scandalous twist, and you’ve got All Things Fair. This play is a delightful romp through the tangled web of forbidden love, with a side of awkward humor and existential dread. Our story revolves around Stig, a 15-year-old pupil whose heart races faster than a caffeinated squirrel at the sight of his 37-year-old teacher, Viola. Spoiler alert: it’s not just the homework that’s getting graded!
From the get-go, Stig is smitten. He’s the kind of teenager who thinks that sighing dramatically while gazing out the window is the height of romance. And Viola? She’s trapped in a marriage with a drunken lout who seems to have mistaken the bottle for a best friend. Talk about a midlife crisis! While her husband is busy drowning his sorrows, Viola finds herself increasingly drawn to Stig’s youthful exuberance and innocence. It’s like she’s been handed a slice of cake after years of bland oatmeal.
As the play unfolds, we witness a series of cringe-worthy yet hilarious moments. Stig tries to impress Viola with his “mature” perspectives on life, which mostly consist of quoting song lyrics and mispronouncing the word “quintessential.” Viola, on the other hand, attempts to maintain her professional demeanor, but let’s be real; the heart wants what it wants. And what it wants is a hot, young pupil who still thinks that ‘adulting’ is a myth.
Things reach a fever pitch when Stig, emboldened by a mix of teenage bravado and a questionable amount of caffeine, decides to confess his feelings. Picture this: a classroom filled with awkward silence, the kind where you can hear a pin drop, followed by the sound of Viola’s heart doing a backflip. She’s torn between societal norms and her undeniable attraction to the young lad. It’s a classic case of “should I or shouldn’t I?” with a side of “what would the neighbors think?”
As the plot thickens like a poorly made porridge, hilarity ensues. Stig’s attempts at wooing Viola become increasingly ludicrous. He tries to serenade her with a love song that sounds suspiciously like a jingle for a fast-food chain. Viola, torn between laughter and desire, can’t help but be charmed. Who knew that love could be this funny?
But, of course, it can’t all be sunshine and roses. Just as Viola is about to throw caution to the wind, her alcoholic husband stumbles onto the scene, demanding to know why she’s smiling like a schoolgirl. Cue the dramatic tension! Stig, realizing he’s the unwitting cause of a marital meltdown, decides to make a hasty retreat, leaving Viola to deal with her husband’s drunken rage and her own conflicted feelings.
In the end, we’re left with a bittersweet conclusion. Viola must choose between the safety of her mundane life and the thrilling chaos that Stig represents. Will she take the plunge into the unknown, or will she opt for the predictable path? Let’s just say the final act is as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof, leaving the audience in stitches while pondering the complexities of love.
So there you have it! All Things Fair delivers a hilarious, if somewhat cringe-inducing, exploration of love across the ages. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes, the heart wants what it wants—even if it’s a bit scandalous. Just remember, next time you find yourself in a teacher-student situation, maybe keep the romantic confessions to a minimum. Or at least make sure your husband isn’t lurking nearby!