Four Play: A Cutting Look into Modern Love's Complexities ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At the King's Head Theatre, Jake Brunger's Four Play delves into the intricate landscape of modern relationships with a smart, incisive touch. This production bravely tackles contemporary expectations of love and commitment, proving to be both enjoyable and remarkably tender.

The play centres on Rafe and Pete, a couple seven years into their relationship, who decide to reignite their spark by inviting a third, Michael, into their lives. Complicating matters is Michael's existing open relationship with Andy, governed by a set of rules designed to protect their bond. The core tension arises when Michael secretly breaches these agreed-upon limits, leading to inevitable conflict and a poignant examination of non-monogamy’s inherent complexities when boundaries are disregarded. Rafe and Pete, though eager to explore this new territory, quickly discover that the emotional toll is far greater than they anticipated.

Jake Brunger's writing is particularly astute, deftly capturing the raw jealousy and profound fear that often underpin discussions about relationship freedom. He avoids judgment, instead presenting characters who genuinely grapple with the practicalities of rules and boundaries, revealing their underlying anxieties and struggles. The play intelligently highlights the often-unforeseen challenges individuals face when they claim an open mindset but are emotionally unprepared for the intense feelings that inevitably arise.

Director Jack Sain delivers a tight production, cleverly confined to a single set location, which intensifies the emotional pressure cooker. The opening scene, in particular, stands out for its sharp humour and engaging introduction to the characters' dynamic. While the characters are drawn with distinct traits and personalities, the overall performances, at times, could benefit from a touch more emotional depth to fully explore the layers of their unraveling relationships.