A roller-coaster masterclass
The title of this highly acclaimed play by Mike Bartlett can be open to interpretation; it is, however, a play about choices based on identity and labels, writes Linda Emmanuel.
As we enter and settle into the white-painted basement space, with seating around all walls, John and Man stand at opposite ends of the room, facing each other in an intense stand-off, as they roast each other, to painful and humorous effect. A paint-spattered plastic decorator’s backdrop gives the atmosphere the feel of an illegal cock-fighting venue.
John and Man, who have been together for seven years, have had their world shaken by John’s confession that he has unexpectedly fallen in love with a Woman. This revelation forces him into a tortuous dilemma as he takes a deep look into his decision to leave his long-term partner.
The relationship between Aidan deSalaiz as indecisive John and Michael Torontow as the wounded boyfriend, Man, is electrifying. We witness a real couple in crisis. Tess Benger plays Woman, who brings a coquettish, sparky, desperate, and persuasive element to further confuse matters between the pair, after she accepts the invitation to dinner. Kevin Bundy as the Father is in full protective warrior mode as he supports his son, M. He implores John ‘to make a decision!’ He also has a few choice words for the Woman. The language, the actors’ connection, and movement of this piece are fast, urgent, and emotionally raw, keeping the audience’s rapt attention.
Having been fully immersed in this roller-coaster ride of a play, it felt like we all needed to gather at the bar upstairs for a debrief about the masterclass we had just witnessed.
On at COLAB, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 9H until 2nd May 2026.
Booking and full details: https://tickets.colabtheatre.co.uk/event/65916?date=2026-04
