Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer: Cameron Corcoran
Director: Hector Smith
“Tense, Toxic Two-Hander”
4 / 5
Serial-cheat James is breaking up with mistress Lemy, deciding that he finally needs to prioritise his wife and newborn son over his lustful affair. The decision ultimately is down to James – he has a stable life and a good income from his accounting career, while Lemy, an ex-escort is unemployed at his request, is struggling with her mental health and deeply besotted, desperate for it to become more than just a fling. Can Lemy take back control or is she doomed to be at James’ mercy until she can get over her feelings for him?
James (Cameron Corcoran) and Lemy (Polly Waldron) are both brilliantly layered characters – from the outset, it appears that James holds all of the power. He is cold and dismissive, gaslighting Lemy about his feelings for her and the time they’ve spent together, constantly putting her down about her mental state and berating her for not taking her medication. But as the performance progresses, it’s clear that Lemy has a hold over James – whether that’s just from lust or his fear of being caught by his wife, she isn’t the desperately damaged damsel that he wishes she would be. After an intense 30 minutes of threats and insults, he finally leaves the toxic situation behind and moves on with his life.
Fast-forward three years later – James is supposedly a changed man, the perfect husband waiting at home for the new nanny, ready to welcome her into his idyllic family home. When a familiar face arrives to interview for the position, it’s clear that although time has passed, there is no escaping each other – the pair forced to confront the past and collectively decide how to move on in the future. Both actors brilliantly portray the two contrasting characters, keeping the audience hooked waiting to see who comes out on top within the messy affair.
Writer Corcoran’s fast-paced script is bold and intense, both characters atrocious people and therefore fantastic viewing. The power imbalances between the two are intriguing, constantly shifting with each shock reveal or offensive retort. Throwaway comments are made by both characters, subtly hinting towards future revelations and setting up the explosive final scenes. Mental health, relationships and dependency are all lightly explored – the brief references enough to develop backstory and develop conversations amidst the intricate subtext. It is cleverly written, with director Hector Smith keeping the focus completely on the script and allowing the talented actors to take control of their scenes.
This is a tense, toxic two-hander that grips the audience from the outset. Strong characters, exciting script full of shocking interactions and an intense finale – everything theatre should be.
Runs until 11 August 2023
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