After years of traversing the globe, the maverick Ritchie returns to Blighty and pitches up on the doorstep of his old friend Neal, looking for a place to stay. Neal can’t say no but Ritchie’s challenging presence starts to make waves in the lives of Neal and his girlfriend, Rachel.
Through this complicated triangle. Love and Understanding explores the questions thrown up by life in 21st century Britain; work and satisfaction, communication in relationships, security versus adventure.
Playwright Joe Penhall has a good ear for natural dialogue and draws some very convincing characters. Through his writing, the competent cast manages to explore the uncomfortable grey areas of love and friendship well. That said the play is somewhat overlong, and bad soundproofing plagues the venue, letting in the noise of the neighbouring flamenco production and conversations on the street. Naturally this detracts from the feel of the piece but there is still a lot of enjoyment to be had from Penhall’s masterful writing.
3/5
Morag Patterson
