The Stage

True Love Lies

Published Wednesday 4 February 2009 at 12:10 by Natalie Anglesey

Think Six Feet Under meets My Family is the tag line given to Brad Fraser’s True Love Lies. Presumably this is because this new work, by the award-winning Canadian playwright, is a quirky exploration of the breakdown in family relationships.

Inspired by an incident in the playwright’s personal life, this taut drama sparkles with Fraser’s signature wit wrapped around piercing observations and laced with caustic one-liners.

John Kirk and Teresa Banham lead an excellent cast as successful, interior designers Kane and his wife Carolyn. Into their perfect world arrives an echo from the past, the charming David - a first rate performance from Jonny Phillips.

David’s arrival has a devastating effect on the family unit, particularly on their teenage children. Amy Beth Hayes as the erratic, sex-mad Madison and Oliver Gomm as their bullied, confused son Royce are real finds.

Played at a fast and furiously funny pace, the interplay between the characters, as they question the past to discover their future, makes compelling drama.

This world premiere marks another milestone in Fraser’s 13-year-old relationship with the Royal Exchange which has already presented several of his works.

This time founding artistic director Braham Murray directs with panache and long-time collaborator Johanna Bryant is responsible for the stylish, composite set for both home and restaurant, cleverly divided by floor lighting. Her minimalist design, which housed the once perfect family, finally seems fractured beyond repair.

Another triumph for Fraser and the Exchange.

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