Foreplay
King's Head Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 2nd May 2014
The King's Head is the perfect theatre for the UK premiere of Foreplay, a new play by scientist turned playwright Carl Djerassi. The play's title suggests audiences are letting themselves in for a graphic night at the theatre, which in some ways they are.
When Theodor, his wife Gretel and Hannah are confronted by a mysterious woman who threatens to reveal secrets that could change their lives forever, all three must face the lies, jealousies and sexual proclivities they have hidden for decades. Cue sexual and academic jealousy, infidelity, intrigue and mutual obsession.
Foreplay is only verbally graphic. As the play unravelled and the questions began to be answered it was interesting to look around at different audience responses - some were engrossed and some felt awkward while one lady was fast asleep. I must admit the stellar performances and build up of tension drew me in during act one, but ultimately I was left disappointed.
I cannot write enough praise for the cast who are absolutely superb, as I absorbed the detail in their performances I could have easily been watching something at the National. However, the plot (which is set up brilliantly) fails to deliver. I wasn't always sure where Foreplay was going and felt despondent when it went for the obvious option.
Foreplay certainly isn't a play which should be avoided, it is one of the most high quality pieces of theatre I have ever seen at the King's Head. An interesting future could lie ahead for Carl Djerassi's piece, I am certainly looking forward to watching more of his work.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Foreplay is only verbally graphic. As the play unravelled and the questions began to be answered it was interesting to look around at different audience responses - some were engrossed and some felt awkward while one lady was fast asleep. I must admit the stellar performances and build up of tension drew me in during act one, but ultimately I was left disappointed.
I cannot write enough praise for the cast who are absolutely superb, as I absorbed the detail in their performances I could have easily been watching something at the National. However, the plot (which is set up brilliantly) fails to deliver. I wasn't always sure where Foreplay was going and felt despondent when it went for the obvious option.
Foreplay certainly isn't a play which should be avoided, it is one of the most high quality pieces of theatre I have ever seen at the King's Head. An interesting future could lie ahead for Carl Djerassi's piece, I am certainly looking forward to watching more of his work.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Foreplay runs at the King's Head Theatre until Saturday 31st May 2014
Please visit www.kingsheadtheatre.com for further information and tickets.
Photo Credit: Andreas Grieger
Please visit www.kingsheadtheatre.com for further information and tickets.
Photo Credit: Andreas Grieger
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