Fatal Attraction depicts the turbulent love affair between lawyer Dan Gallagher (Oliver Farnworth) and Editor Alex Forrest (Kym Marsh). When Gallagher’s wife, Beth (Susie Amy) and daughter (voiced by Charlotte Holden) go out of town, Gallagher finds himself in a bar with a mysterious woman. After the two strangers continue their conversation over dinner, they end with a night full of passion and deceit. As Gallagher himself remarks ‘What would any hot-blooded, heterosexual, American male do?’ Thus, setting the course of what becomes a tale of obsessive love.

The 8-man play is based on the 1987 film, Fatal Attraction, by James Dearden. The title is befitting, to say the least, as we bear witness to the fatality of forbidden romance.

The performance opens with a dramatic monologue from Gallagher which immediately creates a shared sense of intimacy with the audience. This intimacy is sustained throughout the duration of the play as he confides in us at regular intervals, disclosing his inner thoughts and confessions. This had the effect of placing us onside with Gallagher. We know that his actions have led to him being in the position he faces. Cheating on his wife and continuing this charade to his family on the back of everything that goes on. However, there is this sense of closeness between the audience and his character. I also find it interesting that the character of Alex Forrest is most often considered a villain. Whilst her actions might well warrant this label, it also pushes to the side all the wrongdoings on the part of Dan Gallagher. I too was not exempt from this. I found myself nervous when the walls seemed to be closing in on Dan and would breathe a sigh of relief when he would push back.

The light humour and comedic moments throughout were a nice touch, evoking reactions of not only laughter but sometimes gasps of sheer shock. So as not to divulge any spoilers I will not discuss these moments, rather invite you to watch the performance yourselves. That being said the character of Jimmy (John Macaulay) was the perfect funny best friend and confidant to our protagonist.

As per usual, the unsung heroes of the lighting, sound and special effects departments outdid themselves today. Having the facetime calls projected onto the back wall added to the unfolding action.  The same can be said about the use of lighting. Having a red light cast over Alex’s face as she breaks down emotionally on the phone to Dan was a particularly moving moment. Her whole demeanour changes and is symbolically reflected through this use of lighting and colour.

The only downside is that at times the plot felt a little rushed. In particular, the deterioration of Alex’s character as she becomes obsessed with what Dan calls this ‘imaginary love affair’. It would have been nice to bear more witness to this as opposed to going from one extreme to the next. As we come to the end of the play, the use of a circular plot was a nice touch. Returning to the bar scene where the two lovers initially met to briefly explore the possibility of an alternative trajectory for Dan.

Rating: 3.5/5

Trigger Warnings for Fatal Attraction: Self-harm, Suicide

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