REVIEW: EDGING at Old Red Lion Theatre 19 Sept – 23 Sept 2023

"both actors are obviously talented comedians with an ear for a line"

Edging is a high-energy, carnal comedy told in a typical odd-couple mode. Old school friends Marcus (Martin Coates) and Henry (Harry Al-Adwani) are squeezed together again after five years apart when Henry turns up at Marcus's door with nowhere to go. The idea is that Henry is straight, Marcus is gay, and hilarity ensues – though it doesn't always quite achieve that, and admittedly the concept is a bit tired.

Nevertheless, the young men, similar enough to form a special bond, but dissimilar enough to give us some humorous clashes, get their now adult lives tangled up while they temporarily live together in a small flat. This new situation digs up their childhood dreams, loves, and traumas, as we revisit their friendship through flashbacks, and explore their complex present relationship through domestic familiarity and sexual tension.

Though the idea is promising and provocative, and the actors have genuine chemistry, the problem is that the overall plot is not especially original. For me, it too often comes across as the classic and clichéd gay fantasy of the straight best friend, especially as I really think there was a missed opportunity to explore the similarities between different sexual identities, the contrasting types of love, and the relationships between them. I do, however, like the accepting world of sexuality that the characters inhabit, which gives it a modern Gen Z edge and keeps it from being reductive.

Overall, I did enjoy the production, but it'd be great to see its identity unpacked a little further. It could be a nice, modern romance (it's not for nothing that Marcus has Sally Rooney's books by his bedside), or it could be an intriguing exploration of friendship across the sexual identity divide. As it stands though, it's sort of a bit of both, without quite being either.

Despite its Gen Z setting, the laddish humour feels a little dated. Perhaps the raw display of sexuality would have been bold a few years ago, but I must admit it doesn't feel so to me now, and I didn’t totally buy some of the interactions the characters found themselves having. Though I definitely take my hat off to any actor willing to portray an intimate situation with a carrot in front of an audience.

That said, the show and the actors do a good job of uncovering the blossoming sexual tension between the friends, and that sensual undercurrent does lead to some fun moments (see aforementioned carrot). There's definitely a few laughs to be had at a couple of the more outrageous skits (the few appearances of Henry's cartoonish agent, played with relish by both actors, are pretty hysterical), and amongst some of the cheaper laughs, there are a few great lines. On my night, there was raucous laughter from a few overzealous audience members, but a quick glance around everyone else didn't reveal quite the same enthusiasm. Nevertheless, both actors are obviously talented comedians with an ear for a line, even if it's the kind of stuff that's been done before. I think it shows promise.

Though wobbly at times, there is some nice characterisation as well, complemented by, and epitomised in, their periodic observations that "I'm a bee, you're a wasp ... I'm Australia, you're New Zealand ... you're a chicken nugget, I'm a chicken goujon..." and somehow you know exactly what they mean. This kind of shorthand expression is endearing and effective and works well not just to bring life to the individuals but also their relationship.

The transitions between time periods are also executed with a commendable clarity, achieved with the simple use of lighting and the donning of a school tie. Let's not forget that it can be very easy to confuse an audience when jumping between flashbacks and present day but Edging managed to convey this nicely.

Though the setting and the characters are fine, it could really take flight if they were placed in a more unique situation or circumstance. But there is, however, a particularly powerful final few moments that, without giving anything away, culminates in a quite cinematic rearranging of the set, and feels a little at odds with the rest of the production in its profundity. It leads to an ambiguous ending that I personally loved.

There is talent here and an obvious understanding of the mechanics of theatre. I would certainly look out for these guys again, and if you can, grab a few drinks and check out this show; just keep in mind that the production might be Edging, but it might not be quite edgy enough.

MediumRare presents

EDGING by Martin Coates & Harry Al-Adwani

Directed by Calum Shiels

Old Red Lion Theatre, 19th – 23rd September

Box Office: https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/edging.html

Reviewed by Alix Owen