Afterglow, Waterloo East Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until December 6, 2019


Afterglow is back because audiences loved it! It is a fascinating look at contemporary relationships and three people's capacity to deal with sexuality, infatuation and love. Can we really keep these emotional states in separate compartments or are they bound to bleed into one another resulting in pain and confusion? Is it a form of hubris to think we can control what the heart wants? This is the struggle faced by Josh, Alex and Darius as they try to negotiate the complexities of an open relationship. The cast members here are all equally strong and nuanced. Peter McPherson is excellent as the scientific, right-brain Alex who thinks he can control his jealousy and Adi Chugh is just as good as his impulsive, needy artistic partner, Josh. Benjamin Aluwihare completely captures the naïveté and vulnerability of the younger participant, Darius. Steven Kunis successfully builds on the original direction of Tom O'Brien and the piece is lively and well-paced. Libby Todd's set is back and remains brilliantly economical and versatile. S. Asher Gelman's play has been slightly modified from the earlier production, but it continues to offer an intriguing and insightful look into how relationships are not games. The brain may set rules, but there is no guarantee that even the best intentioned of players will be able to follow them. The heart wants what the heart wants.

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until December 6, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sat & Sun: 4 pm
Waterloo East Theatre
Nearest station: Waterloo
https://www.waterlooeast.co.uk/afterglow
Map & Location: Brad St, South Bank, London SE1 8TN, UK

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