The Real Thing is the epitome of truth, human emotion and relationships, and has been executed perfectly by the SUTCo production team and their cast. The play takes us through two broken marriages which result in a new marriage: with a lot of drama along the way.
The set of the play was brilliantly done, with a chaise lounge as a consistent element: almost like a couch at a therapist’s office: a space for breakdowns, confession and truth. The door in the background of the stage also contributed to comedic slams, and great signposting of when scenes were switching from one space to another.
The acting in the play was superb, with Bethany Collins giving us the most raw, realistic portrayal as Annie, expertly switching between emotions of seriousness, love, lust and occasionally anger. Her presence in every scene she was in framed the narrative perfectly, her personality changing towards each character she interacts with.
Thomas Hounsell, as Henry, had many long, fast-paced monologues which were portrayed perfectly: an academic style that felt more like a mental breakdown by the end rather than a discussion or simple statement, portraying the nature of the character brilliantly.
The opening of the play, as a scene of “House of Cards” written by Henry, brought meta-theatre into the mix, giving us an insight into the characters as “actors”. Many links from this opening scene were then reflected into later scenes where characters admitted dishonesty, especially seen through the reactions of Max, played by Ade Ingram, and short refrains mimicking lines from this scene by Charlotte, played by Jess Ansbro.
The costumes and music directly embodies the context of the play, with Debbie. Played by Bess Hunter, revealing a separation between the older and younger generations, an interesting insight but also visually acting as a form of comic relief with the neon colours of her costume.
The sound design was excellently done with music switching from radio, to record player and back in perfect timing, and tones adjusted depending on the scene itself: with a mix of classical and pop music.
Overall, this play was a genuine joy to watch, and I felt myself becoming more invested in the characters and plot than I usually would in the play. For such a small cast, the acting was incredible and each actor embodied the personality and habits of their characters so well. I wish this play had a longer run so I could see it again and again: taking in the realism and heightened emotions The Real Thing does not fail to deliver.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
