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A little less conversation: After Sex @Arcolatheatre

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According to research, millennials in rich countries are having sex less these days. But they were prepared to talk more about it. So, it is no surprise to see a story about what happens when a series of no-strings-attached encounters start to become attachments. And the conversations arising from it. Such is the premise of After Sex, Siofra Dromgoole’s two-hander of the conversations afterwards. It’s not particularly sexy or erotic, and the snappy pacing and short scenes sometimes make you wish they stayed longer to finish the conversation. Nevertheless, it is still a funny and, at times, bittersweet picture of single lives in the big city. It’s currently playing at the Arcola Theatre .  He is bi and works for her in an office job. She is neither ready for a commitment nor to let the office know what’s happening. He isn’t prepared to tell his mum there’s someone special in his life. He doesn’t speak to his dad, so his mum is his world. It’s a perfect relationship/arrangement. Or so it

Holding out for a hero: Eugenius @TheOtherPalace

You get the sense you’re witnessing the birth of a new cult musical at Eugenius. Some audience members appear to know the choreography, songs and bad jokes in advance of those experiencing it for the first time. And this isn’t such a bad thing. Particularly with its supercharged cast and uplifting eighties-inspired soundtrack this show rocks. It’s back atThe Other Palace after a successful run earlier this year. 

The book music and lyrics are by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins. The songs are inspired with their upbeat eighties sound. Keyboards, sax solos and electric guitars abound. And there are a mix of ballads and hilarious songs to keep things irresistible. But they have to compete with a convoluted story seems like a mash up of Blood Brothers, Rock of Ages and Galaxy Quest.

Teenage boy Eugene (Rob Houchen), dreams of a distant world where superhero Tough Man and Super Hot Lady fight against the Evil Lord Hector. His nerdy friends Janey (Laura Baldwin) and Feris (Daniel Buckley) encourage him to put his ideas to paper.  So soon hie finds himself with a contract in Hollywood where fantasy and reality begins to converge.

And although the story gets bogged down with it’s Hollywood subplot, it’s hard not to like a show with a robot called Kevin and some seriously terrific wigs and costumes. Adams and Wilkins have an ear for a catchy tune and everyone looks like they’re having a fabulous time. Well maybe except for the band who sit on stage looking lifeless. 

Houchen with his strong tenor vocals deftly handles the demands of the music. And Baldwin is a delight as the nerdy girl with a super hot streak underneath. 

Directed by Ian Talbot with choreography by Aaron Renfree, Eugenius is at The Other Palace until 21 October. Go Eugenius!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Photos by Scott Rylander

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