Writer: Sarah Tara Ray
Director: Hanna Berrigan
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Strong Debut“
4 / 5
A young female artist is on the right side of a bad breakup with her ex Adam, closing the chapter on her first and only relationship, while tentatively stepping into a new one with Sophie, allowing her to embrace the bisexual identity she’s always felt comfortable with.
With an upcoming exhibition centred around important women in her (LJ Williams) life, Sophie (Andi Bickers) has inspired her, she doesn’t just fancy her, she wants to be just like her, infatuated with her self-assured attitude and natural charisma. But, as is life, just when things are going perfectly and she’s ready to wholeheartedly commit to Sophie – she’s hit with the bombshell that the ‘goodbye sex’ she had with Adam, has resulted in her falling pregnant. Not wanting her life to change, she’s strongly considering an abortion, but younger sister Emma (Ellen Pallant) is horrified, her pro-life stance at odds with her sisters matter of fact pro-choice beliefs. Juggling her choices and trying to navigate her future with her close friends and family, she’s forced to confront her personal beliefs, and stay true to herself regardless of how they might impact any of her relationships.
Sarah Tara Ray (Billy & Writer) has created this incredibly strong debut that puts women’s rights and women’s lives right at the centre of the narrative. Aside from the artists pregnancy dilemma, the supporting characters have their moment in the spotlight with issues close to their heart also. Kat (Hannah Redfern) is getting married much to Billy’s (Sarah Tara Ray) dismay, worried that she’s going to lose a long-time friend, and Sophie is frustrated about meeting another girl who’s seemingly experimenting with her sexuality. Despite only a relatively brief focus on these characters, they’re all written remarkably well, their strong chemistry showcased easily by the cast, making them believable and likeable.
Considering ‘The Artist’ (LJ Williams) is the centre of the storyline, it’s curious (and mildly infuriating) that she doesn’t get her own name like the rest of the characters have, minimising her to just her vocation slightly contradicts the power and personality given to the other characters, by not allowing her to be fully formed. That minor gripe aside, her relationships with each character are fantastically explored. The first half in particular is brilliantly engaging, the humorous, naturalistic dialogue making for a excellent opening act. The second act, feels less polished in comparison, focusing solely on her decision and at points being a little too heavy-handed with the intended messaging. Taking a more subtle, less didactic approach would land better and feel less on the nose as she weighs the pros and cons with each of her companions.
Though, this sparse subtlety doesn’t undermine the otherwise strongly crafted, thoughtful debut from Ray. The timely issues are tackled with personable warmth and humour, executed with enjoyable performances from the likeable cast.
Runs until 17th June 2026
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