Quick review: The Truth, Wyndhams Theatre
That was August in London Theatre-land (with a late addition)

Review: The steamy Unfaithful, Found 111

320x320.fitandcropWhen Daniel Radcliffe, on a break from filming the Harry Potter series, stripped off for a stage role I was more shocked by his character smoking than the nudity. Now Matthew Lewis, the good-hearted, nerdy Neville Longbottom in the films, is playing a male escort and I found myself more shocked by the language coming out of mouth of Niamh Cusack's character.

Owen McCafferty's play links two couples: canteen supervisor Niamh Cusack and her husband of 30 years Tom (Sean Campion) with check out girl Tara (Ruta Gedmintas) and her boyfriend Peter (Matthew Lewis) via a chance encounter and a coincidence. The title of the play refers to more than the obvious relationship infidelities, it works on a much more personal level too: how faithful are we to ourselves?

Each scene is a conversation between two of the characters, through which it explores communication, relationships, truth and sex. McCafferty examines the idea that the person you are closest to, most intimate with is the person you don't necessarily talk to properly. It takes a shock in both relationships - one party breaking the routine, the accepted norms of behaviour to awaken a deeper understanding and appreciation of their partners and a better understanding of themselves.

The staging is very simple, a mirrored wall, a bed and two chairs which are moved depending on the scene but this is a play very much about the words and performances rather than props. The intimate space at the attic-like Found 111 is nearly perfect giving you the sense that you are eavesdropping on behind closed doors conversations.

Matthew Lewis convinces as both caring boyfriend and popular escort who oozes subtle sexiness. Niamh Cusack, as my opening remarks allude to, shocks a little with her language but it is also refreshing to see a female character, over the age of 40, expressing sexual desires - it is such a rarity in visual drama.

It is a play that is funny, revealing and the language steamy at times . It is a shame that the temperature of the venue made it steamier than it should have been. The night I saw it was a balmy evening and the two mobile air con units were switched off for the performance making it stifling for the audience and actors. It is distracting when you feel as hot as the dripping cast look. It is a shame for what was otherwise an interesting, witty and cleverly constructed play. It's around 70 minutes long without an interval and I'm giving it four stars.

You can catch it at Found 111 on Charing Cross Road until October 8.

 

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