Photo: Courtesy of BYMT

It was BYMT’s youth panel who wanted this show, which was first staged last year, to be revived and further developed. Hence this short run at the Bridewell theatre with a cast of 33 and a fine 7-strong band above the stage.

The idea is distinctly wacky but, actually, this show is a warmly thoughtful piece about family values, animal welfare, capitalism, grief,  friendship, exploitation and a lot more. A large group of salmon are being factory farmed in a tank. They believe, because that’s what the company tells them, that when they’re fished out they go to a better, happier place so there’s an oblique, critical nod to the use of religion to keep adherents where you want them. Then one young salmon becomes the lone voice of reason and leads an escape. Thereafter it becomes a quest story (to join the wild salmon) spliced with the traditional overcoming the monster narrative – in this case the company boss.

It is astonishing what inspirational directing can do with youthful energy. This is a show which pounds along with high octane exuberance. Every cast member is enjoying him or herself and they carry the audience with them one hundred per cent. And although this is primarily an ensemble piece there are some strikingly strong principals who unfortunately cannot be named here because the programme merely lists the 33 cast members without giving their roles. I especially admired the timing, presence and singing of the young woman playing the villain, Miss Musk: a cross between Miss Trunchbull and Cruella de Vil, Also outstanding is the young actor playing Spike, father to Leo and Finn both of whom are also excellent.

I liked the simplicity of the concept too. The cast are mostly in black. When they’re fish they wear a pink glove with gauzy layers. Keeping these layers moving suggests gills. A group of seals wear bowler hats. Two delightful sword fish – off Scotland – sport swords and wear a tartan sash. They are dourly determined and dance a highland fling with the visiting salmon.

It’s a well written piece with some powerful songs and a lot of humour. The fishy puns come thick and fast as the salmon have to toe the fishing line, the girl band clams give a five starfish performance and someone admits to “flipperancy”. It’s a lot more than a pantomimic romp, though, There are a lot of issues in this show. I doubt that many audience members will fancy smoked salmon for a day or two.

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  All Photos :Courtesy of BYMT

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