Four Play ★★★★★

Jake Brunger’s Four Play, first heard in 2015 as part of the Old Vic New Voices scheme, is razor-sharp, tender and hilariously honest portrayal of modern gay love, and the sometimes-grey areas of desire and commitment.

Two men, Rafe and Pete, find themselves in a rut after seven years (and a half) years together. Pete decides that they should experiment by having a one-night stand with their friend Michael, who has his own partner, to spice things up. This leads to a torrent of complications, betrayals and desires as all the four characters in the piece navigate love and loyalty.

Daniel Bravo brings a macho openness to Michael, while Lewis Cornay’s Rafe oozes with charisma and comic timing, perfectly capturing the passive-aggressive dynamics of a long-term couple that is somewhat on the edge. Zheng Xi Yong’s Pete on the other hand delivers a more subtle portrayal but that cuts through the play with a level of darkness.

But it’s Jo Foster, as Andy, who steals the show. Their performance is nothing short of stellar, raw and emotionally fearless. Foster, best-known best for their standout performance in Why Am I So Single?, a RECS favourite, doesn’t just act the role, they inhabit it completely, with precision and power that elevates every scene they’re in.

Under Jack Sain’s direction, the production moves with a sharp, emotional clarity that balances the hilarious comedic moments and the heartbreaking scenes.

The lighting and sound design is flawless, imaginative and perfectly timed. Daniel Carter-Brennan (lighting) and Julian Starr (sound) together with Peiyao Wang’s set design transform a black box fringe venue into a richly atmospheric stage and gives the play the lift which takes it from fringe to feast for the audience.

From the start, the piece will grab you by the heart and won’t let go for the full 90 minutes. The skill of all the cast and creative team to create something so intimate, provocative and deeply human is commendable!