Four Play at King’s Head Theatre Review
Photo by Jack Sain.
Written by Philip for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Love. Lust. Intimacy. Trust. All incredible important components to a healthy relationship right? What about desire for something else? A need to feel freedom? ‘Four Play’ by Jake Brunger returns to London, 10 years after it debuted. It focuses on two very different partnerships. Rafe and Pete are steadfast and loyal. They have a long history and, importantly have only been with each other. Michael and Andy are in an open relationship and are very happy with that arrangement. As long as the rules are stuck to. So, when Rafe and Pete proposition Michael with an intimate arrangement, it opens a can of worms. Michael and Andy discuss the idea and agree that Michael should go for it. Focusing on trust, yearning, and betrayal, ‘Four Play’ is a stroke of brilliance.
Brunger’s four-hander is a poignant snapshot of a cross-section of our two couples and the complexities of queer relationships in the modern world. It is warm and witty throughout while throwing in so much heartbreak and despair. Though the situation is quite unique, the piece still feels relatable. The building of trust and the breaking of that trust are just so normal in our current world. It is intelligent and funny yet cutting and unflinchingly honest. The characters are all pretty well written too, apart from one unfortunately. Pete seems to be drawn as a bit of a villain. He feels like an energy drain and someone who is quite unlikeable. Even though other characters make choices that could be seen as just as bad - I just didn’t warm to him. Brunger could easily have softened the character slightly and given him a few more redeeming features.
Jack Sain’s direction is brimming with excitement and energy, with Charlie Martin’s movement section at the very beginning being a standout moment. However without a doubt the cast are the main stars of this show. Together they work beautifully well. Lewis Cornay takes on the role of squeaky clean and lovable Rafe. Cornay is so captivating in this role that you just warm to Rafe from the very beginning, almost feeling protective over him. Zheng Xi Yong was arrogant and uptight as Pete just as he should be, while also delivering a lovely heartfelt moment in the middle of the play. He did a great job with the material he was given. Jo Foster was fabulous as always, giving Andy real strength and grit while showing us raw vulnerability in the latter half. Daniel Bravo also gave Michael a wonderfully balanced edge. He felt real and relatable. Watching the dynamics change as Bravo was paired up with each other actor was very interesting indeed. The change in power and chemistry. Watching the fallout in the big climax of the show was so wonderfully performed - you couldn’t help but feel sorry for them all regardless of their actions.
‘Four Play’ is a wonderful piece of work and deserves to be seen by many. It does have its faults but it is an important piece nonetheless. Make sure to catch Four Play at the King’s Head Theatre before 17th August.
★ ★ ★ ★
