Review of ‘Conversations After Sex’: “It comes off too flaccid”

Mark O’Halloran’s intimate play climaxes at Park Theatre, inviting audiences to some group fun through its intercourse of comedy and drama. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if its cocky narrative is worth blowing its own horn.

The more you screw around, the bigger chances you have of fcking it up. And trust me, there’s a lot of fcking in this one, as the title suggests. In big proportions, no doubt about that, but with no grasp of what they were doing. And regardless of how open you may have come, I guarantee that this was no easy thing to swallow.

I have no prejudice against sex-themed plays. F*cking Men is, in fact, a personal fave to watch – however you wish to interpret that. Conversations After Sex is also unapologetic when it brandishes its full artillery before our eyes. But the way it flings it feels too pendulous and unappealing. It’s not a matter of length – though it felt longer than it was; far from complimentary, in this case. Its raw substance had an interesting, almost pungent flavour, too. But in the end, the delivery failed to push enough for us to show any reaction.

Written by Mark O’Halloran, the play takes us through the trials and tribulations of a middle-aged woman, as she goes through different relationships while also dealing with her sister’s disastrous marriage. Nothing new, but nothing outdated either. And with the right hands, it could have touched audiences while taking them on quite a rousing ride. Unfortunately, though, the entire piece is erected rather dysfunctionally – and the only hard thing to see is the play itself.

Difficult to follow in terms of structure, and struggling to display much truthfulness, the whole narrative comes across as too flat. We can’t be compelled (let alone, moved) by what’s happening in front of us, simply because its tools aren’t big enough to entice us. It’s unable to penetrate, not putting its finger on any topic as deep as they require; and consequently, leaving its attempts at exploring itself in a virginal state.

The cast’s lack of chemistry doesn’t help solve the problem either. Though boasting a commitment in their portrayals, none of the leads manage to bring too much realism and sincerity into their acts – often looking detached from each other and incapable of providing too much register. The sole exception comes from Jo Herbert in the supporting role of F – who, though not giving the most impressive rendition, is nonetheless capable of conveying some layering and sufficient naturalness.

It might be the first time that something longer than expected is unwelcome in bed-related matters. Though parting from an interesting concept, Conversations After Sex features the wrong type of thickness in its script – bringing up solid subjects but ploughing on with an approach that turns no–one’s attention (or anything else) on. Of course, it needs to be shaggy, but it should never be a mess.

All pictures credit to Jake Bush.

Conversations After Sex plays at London’s Park Theatre until 17 May. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara