Four Play by Jake Brunger. The King's Head Theatre, Upper Street, Islington, London until 17 August 2025, 3☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

Four Play by Jake Brunger. The King's Head Theatre, Upper Street, Islington, London  until 17 August 2025,

3☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

“Gay's the word.”

This latest revival of Jake Brunger's play directed by Jack Sain, first staged a decade ago, is about what happens when a young gay couple who have not had sex outside their relationship decide to test the waters and choose quite the wrong people to do so with, has one major change. In previous productions directed by Sain the other couple were Michael a hunk and his partner Andrew – this time round the partner is Andy, non binary and probably the only one of the four with something inside their head. Brunger  has come up with lots of good lines,ther is  a rather jolly opening when they all bounce around doing amazing things on huge inflated rubber balloons, and then it all goes slowly down hill. Maybe it needs a fresh eye. The slightest suggestion that any of the four would be interested in the other three would also help. Chemistry when it comes to casting matters and while individually all are undeniably, just  handsome why either of the seven year loyalists would seek out Michael – except he was to hand – is never clear. Greater clarity of voice ould also help as nobody is miked. The theatre is pretty big – the audience is on three sides which means there is no back of the gods to aim for.

Rafe (Lewis Cornay) and Pete (Zheng Xi Yong) are suffering from the seven year itch.  So what would it be like? Well there are ways of finding out but choosing their close friend Michael (Daniel Bravo), a rather self obsessed gym bunny, whose partner is the non binary Andy (Jo Foster), is really not the wisest of things to do. Michael and Andy may have an open relationship but Michael breaks their rules with upsetting results. Four Play is really just 1969's Bob & Carol Ted & Alice for the LGBTQ generation none of whom will have seen the film – but the seven year itchers do get scratched. Rafe and Pete may end up a little wiser in the ways of the world and the demands of the flesh. The other pair are possibly less unscathed.

Cast

Daniel Bravo – Michael.

Lewis Cornay – Rafe.

Jo Foster – Andy.

Zheng Xi Yong – Pete.

Creatives

Director – Jack Sain.

Original Music – Benedict Cork.

Set & Costume Designer – Peiyao Wang.

Movement Director – Charlie Martin.

Lighting Designer – Daniel Carter-Brennan.

Sound Designer – Julian Starr.

Intimacy Director – Robbie Taylor-Hunt.