Short and sharp, Chekhov’s Dildo makes an impression on the Hope Theatre
“You made this bed, why don’t we sleep in it”
There could also be a seagull suspended from the ceiling however it’s the dramatic precept of Chekhov’s gun that casts a shadow right here. Or moderately, it’s an interpretation of it as you will have gathered from the title. Rex Fisher’s Chekhov’s Dildo goals for a contemporary, trendy tackle a intercourse comedy, liberally sprinkled with Chekhovian injokes and maybe fittingly for this point in time, a twist into Mamettian territory.
In the cluttered confines of a college bed room, Rufus and Annabel have simply indulged in a bout of breakup intercourse. But as they navigate the intricacies of their post-coital chat as exes, surprises are to be discovered underneath the mattress, on the dressing desk and extra moreover. For as he was additionally her tutor in addition to her lover, the ability dynamics of their relationship are twisted and are threatening to uncoil in surprising methods.
From its mid-coitus opening line to its hilarious genital euphemisms, Fisher’s script is wittily noticed, significantly because it takes down educational vanity and Merle Wheldon-Posner’s path is neatly dynamic even in its single location. And with out wishing to offer an excessive amount of away, because the play embraces vengeful leanings, it affords a thought-provoking tackle revenge and retribution and the place they’re justified.
With this restricted run-time, there’s potential to additional discover this tangled net, particularly the place Annabel’s motives are involved even within the face of Rufus’ regularly manipulative behaviour. Olivia Barrowclough and Ruaridh Aldington pair properly in exploring this imbalance, although at instances, he feels a bit younger to be somebody so near tenure. As for that dildo, relaxation assured that Chekhov’s ‘gun’ will get used in some way…