đ After Sex
đ Studio 2, Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, London, E8 3DL            Â
đ Monday 29 July 2024
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A BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED PIECE OF THEATRE
I had no idea what to expect from this play by Siofra Dromgoole but as I took my seat for this sold out performance there was an undeniable buzz and I was blown away by this incredible play, directed by Izzy Parriss and starring Azan Ahmed as HIM and Antonia Salib as HER.
We first meet the couple in a post-coital scene. Two colleagues having an innocent fling, there is no future for them - it's just uncomplicated sex! They're very different people who come together for nothing more than sexual release. But nothing is ever that simple.
We follow the pair through their journey of sexual exploits as they gradually lower their guard and open up to one another. Could they be falling for each other and crossing the boundary into a relationship?
Their story is utterly compelling as we learn that HIM is openly bisexual who is dismissive of commitment and has guilt for not spending enough time with his mother and HER is a damaged over sharer who doesn't trust her feelings and seems to actively push any potential happiness away.
The performances from both Ahmed and Salib are utterly breathtaking. They perfectly strike the balance of intimacy and letting the audience in and they say every line and make every movement with utter believability. As an onlooker I became completely mesmerised by the elegance of their performances.
The set and lighting designs are basic, almost non-existent, but this actually helps to elevate the strength of the writing and the acting. The way that the actual sex is portrayed is a work of genius, never resulting to dry humping, crudity or nudity.
There were items of clothing strewn across the performance space, which the actors put on and took off, depending what stage of their relationship they were at - obviously removing outer clothing for the more sexualised scenes. I liked how the actors just picked up and wore what was closest to them, meaning that clothing was shared between the two.
The play has you laughing out loud as well as tugging at your heartstrings. There is a great feeling of familiarity in the story, with lots of elements that will be relatable to many.
The play does take a more sombre tone towards the end, but it never loses momentum and keeps you engaged right up to its climax.
The premise of the story is rather simple but is executed with precision and never becomes clichĂŠ or crude. The characters are both flawed in their own ways, yet both show sensitivity and are endearing.
It's safe to say that I absolutely loved everything about this production. The writing, direction and acting were all sensational and the audience reaction was the loudest I have heard in a long time.
There's still time to catch AFTER SEX before it closes. The show is playing at the Arcola Theatre until Saturday 3rd August. Seats for the remaining performances are limited so click here to check availability and book tickets before it's too late.
Neill Kovacic-Clarke
All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer. Â
My ticket for this performance of After Sex was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.Â
CAST LIST:
Azan Ahmed as Him; Antonia Salib as Her
RUNNING TIME (approx):
1 hour 5 minutes, with no interval
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Depictions of sexual intimacy; Sexually explicit language; Discussion and depiction of abortion
AGE GUIDELINE:
14 +
Production Images Credit: Jake Bush
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