After Sex – Arcola Theatre, Dalston

Writer: Siofra Dromgoole 
Director: Izzy Parriss

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Intimate & Endearing”

4 / 5

Work colleagues become friends, then lovers, then…? Told almost exclusively through their post-coital conversations, will their sexual connection ever develop into a ‘serious’ relationship or is their casual sex intimate enough to be classed as its own form of serious from the outset? 

Him (Azan Ahmed) and Her (Antonia Salib) care greatly about each other – although on the surface, their relationship is largely centred around the casual sex they have together, there is still the intimacy and tenderness between the pair that blurs the lines between the traditional ‘FWB’ partnership. After their throes of passion, they get to know each other more; throwaway questions on favourite poems or death row meals slowly progress into conversations about their family, feelings and hope for the future. It’s not ‘just sex’ it’s an insight into human connection in its purest, most intimate form.   

Considering this is a relatively short show at only 65minutes long, the span of their brief relationship is excellently portrayed by Ahmed and Salib, and it’s wonderful seeing the connection between the two characters adapt, evolve and strengthen throughout the course of the show. Their on-stage chemistry is brilliantly believable, the bashful looks and apprehensive conversation starters rife with tension and subtle cues to the trajectory their relationship is heading towards. Although some scenes are quite intimate and erotically charged, Izzy Parriss’s direction combined with Siofra Dromgoole’s writing ensures that the focal point remains on the pair rather than the acts themselves.  

Initially, the show is quite light-hearted, the comical two-hander only skirting around serious conversations, quickly shutting down anything that might cross the line from casual to committed. But some heavier themes in the latter half of the play are well-introduced and discussed sensitively. This balance of intensity adds to the believability of the relationship, and showcases a grittier side to navigating a new relationship. The dialogue flows well – natural and endearing, the conversations often quite relatable and recognisable. Though, there is a lengthy scene featuring choreographed movement set to background music that doesn’t quite fit the rest of the tone of the show, feeling sudden and out of place. While it is an interesting addition, it is slightly too experimental for the otherwise polished production.  

This is an enjoyable show, that has been cast perfectly. The two actors are fantastic within their roles and help bring Dromgoole’s writing to life with their touching displays of affection.  

Runs Until 3^rd August 2024