Ink-black comedy doesn’t hold back

NOW this was something completely different, and it worked.

This black comedy by Mike Bartlett was utterly compelling, absorbing and at times quite sinister and chilling.

The play follows a female manager complete with power suit carrying out a series of interviews, or interrogations, with new sales recruit Emma about her love life. It starts off quite comically with the duo discussing what constitutes a ‘romantic or sexual relationship’ with the manager subtly suggesting that Emma is in breach of her contract by carrying on a relationship with a co-worker.

However, this in time turns quite dark when the manager starts demanding intimate details of her affair with colleague Darren, particularly when it runs for longer than Emma had predicted, and the manager turns to increasingly ruthless and bizarre demands.

There was one point where it felt to me to be a little too absurd, but it was almost necessary to fully hammer home the message which, I interpreted, is a warning about the increasing liberties the private sector can take in a time of recession where people will do almost anything to hold onto their jobs.

My only criticism of Contractions is that in striving to be a short play - it is 55 minutes long - it rushes to its conclusion a little, which left me feeling a little bewildered by the sudden transformation in Emma’s attitude in the last five minutes.

The two actresses, Ann Williams and Esther Riggs, both deserve special mention for their totally captivating performances and ability to hold the stage between them with ease.

Witty, snappy dialogue, sinister comedy worked into a powerful metaphor for the corporate world and terrific performances, this is definitely worth a watch.

Showing at The Loft until May 21, call 0844 4934938 for details.

Jamie Smith

Verdict: Gritty and absorbing