Review: THE END OF HOPE, Soho Theatre

Soho Theatre and the Orange Tree Theatre present David Ireland's new play, The End of Hope, a revealing rollercoaster where no taboo is left untouched.

When Dermot popped round to Janet's house for a casual hook-up, the last thing he expected was to be greeted by a giant furry mouse. Janet wears this outfit because it's what she feels most comfortable in, and it surprisingly doesn't deter men from sleeping with her.

Janet doesn't want to talk about her husband's death, not because it's hard, but because she killed him. During a rough BDSM encounter she accidentally choked him with a courgette that she bought from Tesco. Oh wait, none of that is true. It's just a bad joke, something that Janet finds hilarious in telling, whereas Dermot finds it deeply disturbing.

Max Elton's production is outrageous from the very first beat, and never lets up. There's a laugh at every line, and even when there's no text, the audience still giggles. It's that type of play where everything is deliriously funny.

The pair disagree on almost everything. Politics, identity, religion, culture are all up for debate. This results in some heated exchanges, and Ireland digs into the ways in which love and connection are much more complicated in today's society than expected.

Elinor Lawless and Rufus Wright hit every beat correctly, and their quick-fire delivery makes for an exciting energy throughout. The pair work off each other well and the chemistry they share is electrifying.

The play gets weirder as it goes on, and Ireland holds nothing back - this is the most intense hook-up in history. Towards the end the tone changes, and it becomes more serious.

There's that moment when you meet someone for the first time and immediately start planning the rest of your lives together. When you find that special person who's beautiful, stimulating and challenging you have to hold onto them. This is the reality that Janet and Dermot are now facing.

But then, just when it's getting a little too intense, Ireland throws in another joke to lighten it all up, and sends us all on our way. It's wild, deliciously controversial and an unnerving insight into the arbitrary form of modern-day relationships. My favourite play of 2017 so far.

The End of Hope at Soho Theatre until 11 November

Photo Credit: Helen Maybanks

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