Torquay Theatre Troupe lifts curtain on latest production

At the helm of Torquay Theatre Troupe’s latest production, director Doug Montgomery insists that at its heart, playwright Lucy Prebble’s The Effect is a love story.

A modern-day love affair as ill-conceived and forbidden as Romeo and Juliet, set against the present-day realities of a mental health crisis propped up by the pharmaceutical industry.

Mr Montgomery said he likes the idea of the central premise of the play: “Can you simulate love through pharmaceutical drugs, and if so, what might be the implications?”

Psychology student Connie (Stacey Carmichael) and drifter Tristan (Xavier McGettigan) get more than they bargained for when they sign up for a clinical trial for a ground-breaking antidepressant super-drug. Despite controls seeking to keep the subjects apart throughout the course of the in-patient trial, the pair become entangled in a whirlwind of emotions threatening to throw the entire experiment off course.

Sealed off from the outside world, the attraction between Connie and Tristan evolves into a deep and irresistible love that only grows in intensity as their doses are increased. Can they trust their feelings, or is this just a chemical romance?

While the trial’s overseeing physicians, played by Lisa Berry and Matthew Bradford, contend with the illicit relationship of their charges, they become increasingly conflicted about the ethical implications of their work.

This intellectual drama raises questions about the boundaries of scientific experimentation and explores the notion of whether emotions can be artificially induced, and what the implications of doing so might be.

The relationships between the characters in The Effect are fraught with power dynamics and complexities.

As the trial’s subjects and researchers become increasingly entangled, the play examines the dynamics of control, manipulation, and the validity of emotions under unusual conditions. Yet, amidst the chaos of drugged-up love and moral ambiguity, The Effect remains a captivating exploration of human connection. Each performance promises to captivate audiences, challenging them to question their own perceptions of love and reality.

This is a show not to be missed, with talent from across the region inviting audiences to experience the warmth, humour and gripping intensity of The Effect from June 6 to June 15 at Shoestring Playhouse at the MAC, Torquay.

Prepare to be enthralled, provoked, and ultimately moved by this compelling production.

Secure tickets now trybooking.com/CQRCH and embark on a journey that will make for some great conversations long after the curtain falls.

Content warning: The Effect contains coarse language and simulated sex acts.

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