“Isosceles” is a thriller set in remote Turkey, featuring Ryan (Ashley Gunstock), an oil consultant who frequently works overseas, and his wife Lidia (Natalie Roles), a London-based sculptor. During her visit, Lidia is frustrated by Ryan’s excessive precautions and mocks his concern over surgical flight socks for DVT, green pool water, and owning a gun for protection. Despite acknowledging the dangers of kidnapping and civil unrest, Lidia tries to remain rational. To Lidia’s dismay, Ryan hires Masluch (Doga Celik) as her bodyguard.

The marriage between Ryan and Lidia is central to the play and requires a convincing partnership but the chemistry between Ryan and Lidia is sadly lacking. Ryan’s character appears too passive to credibly portray a dynamic oil executive and Ashley Gunstock’s wooden performance lacks the necessary dynamism.

Doga Celik shines as Masluch, the menacing bodyguard. He convincingly plays an ex-soldier, poet, and the romantic interest, adding humour and common sense. Definitely a talent to watch.
The play feels dated and is far too long. The overuse of the F word to express anger felt forced and more like lazy writing than an attempt to show annoyance.

There were several costume changes which seemed unnecessary. At one point whilst Ryan was pontificating about life and marriage, Masluch surreptitiously looks at his watch. I was very tempted to do the same.

Tony Coulton’s set and Steve Lowes lighting deserve a mention as between them they manage to effectively capture both a sunny day time Mediterranean patio and a soft evening ambience.
Isosceles is billed as a thriller but sadly the flyer has more tension than the performance.

2 stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner.

Running at the Studio Wimbledon Theatre from Tue 29 Apr – Sat 3 May 2025.

Tickets for Isosceles are available at the link below

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/isosceles-by-lorraine-forrest-turner/studio-at-new-wimbledon-theatre/

Creatives
Director Alex Pearson
Designer Toby Coulton
Lighting Designer Steve Lowe
Sound Designer Kerval Forest-Hall
Casting Director Jane Frisby
Technical Stage Manager Mig Dulevicius
Builder Jim Haste

Cast
Lidia Natalie Coles
Ryan Ashley Gunstock
Masluch Doga Celik