Perth Reviews

The title of this play takes its name from a “drinking game” which, I am assured by my guest to see the performance, is currently popular in domestic and public bars around town.

The group pose the question to a random member of the company. His task is to amaze and amuse the others with his storytelling along the “Never Have I Ever’’ experience. The story is judged by the drinkers and if deemed untrue or unlikely they compel the storyteller to empty his glass on the spot!

This is a demanding four hander, both for the cast and for the audience. The cast is strong, the script is long and could do with some judicious editing. There is some repetition.

Basically the premise comes down to a number of issues incorporating racial differences, social disparities, wealth, sexual and moral choices. The play is wordy and in the beginning of the first act appears to be rather ponderous. However one could not fault the actors, who all undertook their roles with verve. The pace and development lead to an exciting finish to the first act and a fascinating Act 2.

The setting which is unchanged, is a restaurant which is on the verge of insolvency. The two couples meet ostensibly to share a meal, which predictably, becomes a talkfest charged by emotions and lubricated by the best of the restaurant’s remaining cellar. Underlying the story is the fact that one of the four has originally underwritten the restaurant and is furthermore prepared to sink more of his seemingly unlimited cash.

Emily Rose Brennan (Jacq), Ratidzo Mambo (Adageo) and Deep Sroa (Kas) were all strong, however Will O’Mahony’s character (Tobin), thanks to the writing skill of Deborah Frances-White, and Mahony’s impeccable timing, left us with a sense of real pathos.

A social group incorporating mixed race members as well as the other mentioned variants can lead to heated exchanges. Not only is the fate of the restaurant the issue but the personal relationships of the four characters are savagely dissected. As the characters air their individual grievances there is little hope that either situation will be peacefully resolved.

This is a British play but it works well with a very competent Australian cast. Snatches of black humor are thrown in to leaven the mix. The unflagging verbal pace appealed to the audience who gave the work prolonged applause.