Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) @ The Studio, Holden Street Theatres, Hindmarsh SA 18/2/2026
Jade Franks brings her award-winning, smash-hit energy show to Adelaide this Fringe season, taking over Holden Street Theatres with a show that is as biting as it is funny. Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) is a whirlwind debut that proves you can take the girl out of Liverpool, but you can’t take the Scouse out of the scholar.
Jade is a working-class Liverpublian working at a Call Centre and has dreams of attending Cambridge. She then gets a job as cleaner at Cambridge and in the classic story twist, gets accepted into Cambridge to study. Problem, Cambridge’s rigid rules forbid students to have a job when attending Cambridge.
From the moment the lights dim, the show is fast paced, with Jade coming on stage dancing in active-wear. Her journey is hilarious as she dates one of the “privileged” men attending the college. One of the highlights is her sharp-witted crowd work; when a couple arrived late, they were greeted with a cheeky, “Welcome, you haven’t missed much yet,” much to the delight of the rest of the audience.
With only a desk (full of props within) and an old-style phone on stage, Jades rapidly moves from tale to tale, juggling outfit changes to fit the occasion of the story. The production is elevated by a clever use of music and poignant voiceovers.
While the show is undeniably hilarious, it is a dig at wealth inequality and the absurdity of privilege. For those unfamiliar with thick Liverpudlian accent, a few lines might fly by, but this only adds to the raw authenticity of the performance. It’s a fast-paced, heart-on-its-sleeve production that demands your attention.
Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) is a wonderful entertaining debut show from Jade Franks. Just don’t belittle her hometown—and whatever you do, don’t miss this show.
Don’t miss it.
Fringe Review By Geoff Jenke
Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) runs till Sunday 22 March at The Studio, Holden Street Theatres. For ticket head to Fringe Tix.