Cleverly constructed and exceedingly well performed, this smashing little play by Alexis Clements teases out a near-future world where everything is controlled by an unseen, all-beneficent company. Set during an interview for the matrimonial matching-up of citizens which is supposedly an elective process, it soon turns out that subtle coercion is involved and the two interviewees fully paid-up members of the awkward squad.

Tom Foster is excellent as the self-opinionated man, one step from breaking out of the grip of the company and its plan, if he can only survive this interview without making a contract. Katharine Peachey is equally believable as the woman, on her first interview and unwilling to be there but forced into the process by outside influences.

The balance of power shifts and moves subtly between the two under Sarah Norman’s precise and perceptive direction. The writing does have a couple of grey areas in the plot and would benefit from a greater exploration of how these two might not be what they seem. But, with simple but satisfyingly appropriate design from Chrystine Bennett, this is an intriguing and satisfying production. And just when it appears to have painted itself into a cliched corner, extricates itself with a fatalistic twist.