REVIEW - DON'T SMOKE IN BED

‘All I have is what it feels like’

Performed in the round, Harry McDonald’s play, Don’t Smoke In Bed, follows Jack (Jacob Seelochan) after they are sexually assaulted by someone they meet through Grindr. This two-hander shows us the effects of this traumatic event on Jack, but also on their flatmate and best friend Molly (Diya Vencatasawmy).

At times, particular through the banter and sarcastic tones, the duo’s friendship feels authentic, although I couldn’t help but wish that Molly offered more. Her offer of help to Jack appears to extend for a week, before she seems to take on the view that they need to move on and ‘empty their head’, whenever they think about it. I understood her calling Jack out for certain things, but I struggled to connect to the character. Molly just didn’t seem very patient or indeed a great friend at times. But I do feel this is down to how the character has been written and the creative choices made – not the performance.

Some angry artistic sequences are incorporated, which lack dialogue but portray Jack spiralling and using art as an outlet for their feelings. I did feel that at times these sequences were slightly drawn out and carried on after they had conveyed the necessary message.

The show is a slow burner, the major event happens prior to the beginning of the show, and we only see the effects of that. Never knowing what Jack was like before it occurred, or what their life was like. Anna Short’s sound design builds tension well, but unfortunately the play lacks a satisfying climax and resolution; it feels as though it remains at one level throughout.

The absolute highlight of this show is Seelochan’s performance. Perfectly highlighting someone that is struggling after experiencing trauma, their performance is fuelled with emotion, which is conveyed with their body language first and their dialogue second. The anxiety the character is feeling is palpable. And the characterisation of a young person crying out for help if clear to see. Truly a masterclass performance.

Whilst Don’t Smoke In Bed isn’t perfect, as a playwriting debut, it is brimming with potential. Some creative tweaks are required but the show has a solid foundation to build upon, and I for one look forward to the show’s evolution. The show brings the incredibly important topic of sexually assault within the gay community to the forefront, something which isn’t spoken about often, and should be highlighted. But there are also other topics which could be delved into, but are simply mentioned and quickly forgotten.

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{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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