When a play opens with the seminal 90s hit ‘the feminine of the Species’ you understand it’s making a agency assertion about the subject material. Most will recognise the phrase as a high 20 hit for Liverpool band House, however its origins lie in a legendary poem by Rudyard Kipling. He remarked on the larger deadliness of feminine bears and cobras in comparison with their male counterparts. Utilized in a contemporary context it could be seen as a metaphor for the affect ladies can exert over males. Author Neil LaBute explores these themes and different romantic dilemmas on this totally entertaining play, now revived on the wonderful Park Theatre.

A intelligent and witty script dances across the characters whose relationship veers from well mannered to jokey and open hostility. Luke is the keen younger pet grateful to have discovered his new love. The stoic and reliable Phil can’t resist pulling on the shaky façade Adam is attempting to construct. Jenny is aware of the boys higher than she ought to, and there aren’t any finish of fact bombs she will lob into the argument. And on the centre of all of it is the scheming and duplicitous Evelyn; an emotional puppet grasp who appeared to have an agenda from day one.

For a play that runs in extra of two hours it by no means drags, nor does it really feel laboured or padded the least bit. Each scene, look and mannerism feels integral to the narrative and tells the viewers one thing new concerning the characters. The forged are wonderful nevertheless it’s Amber Anderson that walks away with the honours; particularly within the barnstorming finale which delivers a shocking sting within the tail. A superlative play that must be seen within the intimate environment provided by the Park Theatre.

Assessment by Brian Penn

Ranking: ★★★★