Ham
Soho Theatre
Until October 30th 2026
To eat, or not to eat (meat)? That is the question.
HAM at the Soho Theatre is an outrageous eco-conscious fringe show loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Straight from its successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show is written and performed by Hotter Project duo Ell Potter and Mary Higgins and explores themes of climate change and animal cruelty in the farming industry.
The basic premise is that Hamlet (Mary Higgins) has decided to go vegan, creating a conflict between him and his bolognese-making, sausage-loving mother, Gertrude (Ell Potter). Determined to convince his mum to change her meat-eating ways, Hamlet stages a play within a play — or rather, a fringe show within a fringe show. Soon enough, what begins as a comedic retelling turns into an uncomfortable tragedy as the pair confront the harsh realities of the climate crisis.
As a student of climate policy, I am always excited to see theatre that addresses environmental issues in new and innovative ways, and HAM certainly does just that. It is clever, using humor as a medium to deliver hard truths about anthropogenic global warming. It manages to land a complicated message about the ethical consumption of meat and the choices individuals can make in their everyday routine that better the planet.
However, the show’s narrative is all over the place, from Shakespearean reenactments to inviting an audience member onstage for an interactive bit. Between scenes there are a handful of audience asides and caveats, which remain hilarious but begin to undercut the duo’s message and complicate the already jam-packed storyline. At times, the constant shifts in format and tone also make it difficult to discern who the show is ultimately speaking to. Is it trying to persuade audiences who are sceptical of climate activism and veganism, or is it preaching to those who are already sympathetic to its message?
Despite this, HAM remains a hilarious, interactive, and innovative piece of theatre. Both Potter and Higgins have poured themselves into this production, and their passion for the subject is unmistakable. They are a hysterical pairing, bouncing off of each other seamlessly. Even when the show becomes chaotic, its commitment to confronting an uncomfortable issue with humour, creativity, and theatricality shines through.
For those interested in seeing this show, I’d recommend first reading the content warning. HAM is playing until October 31st at the Soho Theatre on Dean Street.
Reviewer: Jordyn Murray
⭐⭐⭐