Review: FISH IN A KETTLE, Fabric Studios

Walking into the Fabric Studios, Liverpool for innovative new theatre production Fish in a Kettle, I was intrigued to discover what was behind the layers of fabric curtains in front of me. Entering to the sound of 90s club hits - from "Rhythm of the Night" to "Rhythm is a Dancer" - you are immediately immersed into the story as the company set the atmosphere for the house party that audiences can expect to see as part of the show.

But this is a show about more than a house party hosted by the ocean in the year 2050 - it is a thought provoking production that asks you to consider how your actions today could affect our future tomorrow.

Told through movement, monologue and music, Fish in a Kettle is an inspiring and innovative production that I haven’t been able to stop talking about - and one I would highly recommend.

With the appearance of The Oracle, whose costume continued the 90s theme, you are immediately part of the story as you are given fish themed party hats and invited to follow the paths of one of the three characters introduced to you. Each character is a different part of the ocean - performed phenomenally by Kate Taylor Hunter as Penelope, Felipe Jara as Sal, Anita Brokmeier as Coral and Ellena Begley as The Oracle.

Exploring the topic of climate change, the characters are seen in possible futures that are cleverly interwoven in three sections - with The Oracle introducing these through voice over and movement as probable, possible and preferable futures. Depending on the character you follow, you will see a different story within each future - whether that is Sal rescuing a fish in one future, or Sal and The Oracle at a house party as fish return to the ocean - before the characters come together to share the overall story of that potential future.

And here lies the key to the innovative storytelling presented to the audience. From the start, The Oracle asks the audience to follow the character their instinct tells them to follow and not the characters that their friends and family are following. It is a clever theatrical device that reinforces the message of the show - that it is our own actions that can shape the future we will experience.

Following Taylor Hunter’s character Penelope, I saw her reflect on memories of dancing with the fish in one future - her gentle movements and soft voice reflecting the ocean’s sadness and fondness for the memories she has, as she reflects on the future that could have been as she tries to save a bass fish. However in the second potential future, her physicality and vocals changed to become more frantic, with the ocean becoming angry as the temperature of the ocean rose.

Each section ends with the cast performing a superbly choreographed dance number that shows each part of the ocean becoming one. Each movement is perfectly timed and even though the choreography is in sync, each cast member adds their character’s own physicality to the fluidity of the movements. They are powerful moments that leave you in deep thought about the future of the planet long after the production has ended.

Yet another message in this production is one of hope. In the final future I watched as Penelope and Coral found messages about the return of fish, calming of waters and the environment thriving again alongside humanity. Leaving the venue it left me feeling inspired - with hope that the actions we make today, not only on our own, but together and no matter how big or how small, can make a difference to the world, the ocean and the future.

Read our interview with co-artistic leads of the show, Anita Brokmeier and Kate Hunter here.

Photos Credits: Lab Rats Collective

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Scenic Design - Top 3

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