Eric vs the Beaver
- Paul Genty
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
New queer farce Eric vs The Beaver brings writer and director duo Liam High and James Cave back to
Manchester's 53two theatre this month.
The new G&J Productions show, from September 16-18, explores honesty and intimacy as a web of relationships unravel, asking what we owe to those closest to us.
This second collaboration between Liam High and James Cave follows an acclaimed run of their award-winning debut production, Some Masterchef Sh*t, at the Edinburgh Fringe last year and in London earlier this summer.
Under Cave's direction, Eric vs The Beaver draws on High's depiction of queer relationships, playing the farcical, darkly comic heart of his work against realistic portrayals of love and intimacy. The story follows two couples, each with apparently mundane problems. Eric and Harry (Harry Wright and Mo Caldon), are tested by work stress and money troubles, while Debbie and Charlie (Charlotte Wright and Jamie Peacock), contend with the stresses of caring for a sick parent. As each pair's lives are tested by the secrets they have concealed from each other, their stories intertwine towards a chaotic finale.
"The idea came from an impulse to challenge the right-wing image of queer people as degenerates hooking up with anyone and everyone they see," explained Liam.
High and Cave have worked together for several years to widespread acclaim. Their previous production was the winning entry at Manchester's OffCut Festival in 2023, leading to a full-scale production at 53two in 2024. That success took the pair first to the Edinburgh Fringe, then to Vault Creative Arts' The Glitch in
London.
Their return to 53two for their second production together marks a new chapter for a partnership that views complex, personal themes through a witty lens.
More info and tickets here
