HAVING just polished off a hearty burger before I took my seat for Spread, I began to think eating an indulgent meal before a show about womens' rocky relationship with food may not have been the wisest of moves.

Women and food are the Britney and Kevin Federline of the relationship world; she couldn't resist but everyone knew she would regret it afterwards.

The complexities of this relationship (women and food, not Britney and K-Fed) are explored in Spread.

To reinforce the fact the ideas behind the show stretch beyond the performance, the action is already in play when the audience arrive. Two of three belt-bustingly talented performers are centre stage embarking in a rib- squeezing, corset-tightening session.

Brutal as it looks, it's not far fetched, as anyone who's bought Bridget Jones pants will know, when it comes to body image girls do go to great lengths.

But why do we? And why should we?

Through a series of experimental, sketch-style mini-dramas, Spread aims to address these questions cleverly with comic and political impact.

The satire starts with Victorian farce and a respectable lady rapturously gives into hungry temptation. Weight loss by hypnosis comes under fire before the action moves to a merciless battlefield - better known as the modern kitchen - where the cast food fight in slow motion to Dolly Parton's Jolene.

For the finale, women as food, or fodder more to the point, is mocked to an R&B soundtrack, culminating in a strawberry sauce-covered booty shake.

Everything Spread serves comes with a large helping of humour but it leaves a serious, point-making aftertaste. I don't feel so guilty about enjoying my tea now after all.

  • Spread, Greenwich Playhouse, until April 29. Call 020 8858 9256.