Threeway

121329 original

After scouring the internet, a usually monogamous couple have recruited a stranger to join them on their quest to become "sexual adventurers". Julie, a hard working nurse, has instigated this course of action and her unambitious partner Andrew naturally feels threatened by the arrival of their guest. A tall, toned black man whose penis, casual racism tells us, will doubtless be much bigger than his. Mark is everything Andrew is not. When left alone together, the men attempt to establish ground rules for the night ahead with excruciating consequences.

It's to writer DC Jackson's credit that he recognised the finite amount of laughs to be had at the awkward note on which Threeway starts. Thus, the Fringe First-winner's script swiftly changes tack when its characters find themselves mysteriously trapped in each other's bodies. Hotshot businessman Mark is reduced to staying at home in the guise of a ginger haired beta male, poring over old movies in a bid to understand their situation. Andrew gets a taste of responsibility as the unemployed waster is forced to carry out his partner's work duties, while Julie must pay regular visits to Mark's neglected spouse.

From the play's limp opening, it grows into a predictable farce which adheres slavishly to established bodyswap story conventions. It's hard to care about characters who loudly proclaim “I'm not a faggot!” when threatened with contact from other men, while a depressingly claustrophobic air pervades what is ultimately a rather tawdry affair.