As Reed (Robbie Martin) showers and gets ready to leave Angie’s (Rafaela Elliston) flat in the morning. His jovial disposition is in stark contrast to the guarded position taken by Angie sitting on her bed. The one-night stand quickly becomes apparent with two conflicting versions of the previous night’s events.

A complicated back story developing fast requires a keen ear to listen into what has happened and why Angie has called Reed’s behavior out as assault. Reed is married with children, yet still attempts to invite Angie out on a date in the week. Reed is an “old pro” with extramarital affairs of one sort or another.

With a few disjointed scenes, it can distract away from the seriousness of the subject matter at times which is a pity. Sexual assault and the lines of consent become blurred throughout with strong language and explicit sexual references. The audience is left knowing exactly what took place.

The storyline sadly isn’t as tightly produced as a subject matter of this strength and importance deserves. The scene where Angie blasts out music and shouts over it all appears to be unnecessary and distracting. I felt it lessened the message being delivered.

Attitudes between the couple vary and what starts as a “he says she says” heated discussion gains clarity towards the end. Although with a strong edit, the power tied up inside the storyline would have been stronger and delivered a sharper blow towards the end.

For more information on this play and future productions at The White Bear Theatre, please use the links below.

Three Stars.

Photo credit Harry Burton.

https://www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/