Four Play – Review

“There must be a part of you that’s curious, right?…” If, like me, you’re craving more queer theatre, Four Play at the King’s Head Theatre is a must-see.

Written by Jake Brunger and directed by Jack Sain, this revised production offers an insightful exploration of queer relationships, delving into the paradoxical nature of desire, love, trust, communication, and self-worth.

The story begins with Rafe (Lewis Cornay) and Pete (Zheng Xi Yong), a couple who have spent nine and a half years in what seems like a stable, monogamous relationship. They attend a workout class with their mutual friend, Michael (Daniel Bravo), and the trio quickly settles into a comfortable, almost mundane dynamic. However, things take an unexpected turn when Rafe and Pete, having never been with anyone else, propose a one-time fling with Michael, one each… separately. Their request seems fairly innocuous, especially in today’s landscape of open relationships and shifting boundaries. But the plot thickens when Michael reveals he’s in an open but committed relationship with Andy (Jo Foster). No big deal, right? Well, not quite. The situation becomes more complicated when Pete and Rafe insist that Michael keep their proposition a secret from Andy. This seemingly simple request sets the stage for a deep exploration of trust, fidelity, and the delicate balance between openness and secrecy, as the characters navigate the intricacies of modern relationships.

The intimacy of this production plays beautifully into the text. The dynamic set and the staging bring the audience up close, creating a palpable sense of closeness with the characters. Most of the play unfolds within the confines of domestic spaces, with long, immersive scenes that allow you to settle into the moment with the actors.

Jo Foster truly shines in this production, bringing an authenticity to the dialogue and portraying emotions so raw and real that it’s hard to look away. While the entire cast is strong, Foster’s performance stands out as particularly remarkable… just wow! Their commitment to the role is nothing short of mesmerising and adds a vital depth to the play.

I throughly enjoyed this production, as a gay man I appreciated a true telling of relationships that I see around myself every day. It made me think more than anything and that’s what great theatre is all about!

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