Sap, Soho Theatre Review — Theatre & Tonic

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Bronagh

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

Already touted as ‘dazzling’ and ‘breathtaking’ and winner of three awards, Sap had a lot of hype to live up to. Sap is described as a contemporary thriller with ancient roots, a story of a woman telling a lie to her girlfriend which soon becomes very dark. Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, Sap is at the Soho Theatre until the 22nd April 2023 before resuming its tour. I seriously recommend getting your tickets quickly, as this is a show that cannot be missed.

Themes of biphobia, fetishisation and stereotypes are explored throughout, twisting and turning together not too unlike the vines that our main character, Daphne, sees outside of her workplace. Rafaella Marcus perfectly explores the bisexual struggle; the perceived ‘greed’ of bisexual people, judgement and biphobia. Daphne’s girlfriend, referred to as Her, asks her how many men she has been with, showing backhanded biphobia in parts, judging bisexual people. Daphne finds herself lying about being a lesbian to please Her. By telling this lie, she accidentally finds herself deeper and deeper into a twisted game she does not want to be part of.

Jessica Clark and Rebecca Banatvala’s performances are enchanting. Clark’s Daphne is relatable, quirky and human. Daphne is so lifelike, and not too unlike anybody you may meet on a day-to-day basis. She does a job she doesn’t think she is quite worthy of, she flat shares in London and struggles with her identity. Banatvala leaps seamlessly between playing Her, Her’s brother, and Daphne’s work colleague. The performance of Her’s brother is extremely impressive. The cockiness, the swagger, the penchant for expensive red wines – the audience can perfectly envision a high-flying lawyer living in a new build apartment in Docklands. Between the biphobia from Her and Her’s brother’s sadistic abuse, Daphne’s character intensifies and intensifies, burning with frustration and fury.

The set is simple with David Doyle’s lighting setting the tone nicely; from violently bright lights to a soft wash not too unlike daybreak, the lighting always reflects the current mood. The script is beautifully poetic and eloquent, flowing and tuned in with the show's more comedic and emotive points. Both Clark and Banatvala’s delivery is incredible and deserves a great deal of recognition.

Overall Sap is gripping and realistic. Bisexuality is not generalised, instead, Sap tells a human story which grows more and more complex in a little over an hour. A huge bravo to the cast and production team for bringing Sap to life – a must-see!