My Fat Friend, a touching comedy by Charles Laurence about self-love takes to the stage of Newport’s Dolman Theatre this week and will be the third play in Newport Playgoers 2022-23 season.
The comedy tells the story of an overweight young woman called Vicky who attracts the attention of a potential suitor. With the help of her friends/roommates, Vicky undergoes a diet and exercise regime to shed the extra pounds she assumes she needs to lose to hold the man’s attention.
Emma McCarthy who plays the role of Vicky describes her as: “A funny, caring, heart-warming character.”
Emma explains: “She owns and lives in a flat in a bookshop, along with her two lodgers – the flamboyant, witty and brutally honest Henry, and aspiring young Scottish author James. As a plus-size girl and being the butt of all jokes thrown her way lovingly by Henry, her self-confidence, although masked by humour and charm, is at an all-time low.
Emma McCarthy and Stephen Hopkins in rehearsal for My Fat Friend. Photo credit: Paul Johnson, Pixels In Time 
Emma McCarthy in rehearsal for My Fat Friend. Photo credit: Paul Johnson, Pixels In Time 
Emma McCarthy, Stephen Hopkins and Dylan Secker in rehearsal for My Fat Friend. Photo credit: Paul Johnson, Pixels In Time
“When she is asked out to dinner by a customer at the bookshop, she decides, following the date, that she will undergo a complete transformation as a surprise for the handsome love interest Tom when he returns from a business trip at Christmas.
“Vicky is such a wonderfully complex character, and the script is beautifully written. It captures her inner battle with herself, and, without giving any spoilers, it really does show the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, hard lessons that many of us, including myself, have experienced in our lives.”
Emma has been a performer for 23 years, having four children along the way. She has performed numerous roles with Newport Playgoers Society in a variety of genres and productions such as Abigail, in The Crucible, Susan in Talking Heads, Vicky in Tonto Evans, and most recently Mrs White in Clue.
“The part of Vicky in My Fat Friend is one that allows me to show another side of my range,” continues Emma, “and I’m really looking forward to sharing that on stage.”
- My Fat Friend by Charles Laurence and directed by Sue Burgess will be performed by Newport Playgoers Society, at the Dolman Theatre, Newport from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 November at 7:15pm and Saturday 19 November at 2pm. For ticket availability visit the Dolman Theatre’s website.