A world premier performance is always something of an event, and especially interesting when it is a ‘graduate’ of the local scheme, overseen by the Operate Trust and The Court’s Literary Manager, Elizabeth O’Connor.

Fresh work has fresh appeal. Lasting appeal is of course another story. In spite of a deftly directed production from Yvonne Martin, competent design work and talented cast, it seems to me that the play will struggle to engage at that level. 

The structure involves a familiar set up, although the context of an experiment in polyamory (‘the practice of having more than one loving and intimate relationship at a time with the full knowledge and consent of all people involved’) is less often explicit. We meet one couple on the brink of separation, one threesome who are the core of a Circle and one single applicant. We end up with two confirmed couples and one pair for whom polyamory has lost its charm.

In the course of a weekend trying things out, there are group scenes, one on one scenes, man to man and woman to woman conversations. It is talk rather than action, and although Harold Moot’s set, appropriately lit by Josh Major, is endlessly adaptable, frequent shuffling of characters creates a mosaic of impressions rather than a unified progression. 

Fortunately, and this is undoubtedly the play’s strength, there are plenty of laughs for both genders in the audience, as well as a sprinkling of surprises, especially in the costume line (Pamela Jones’ design). The audience certainly sounded well entertained, tuning in to the fun of the piece. Fair enough. Consistency and substance can after all apply to porridge. 

The play opens with what for me is the most effective scene of the night. Julia (naturopath) and Reuben (explosive Teutonic artist whose specialty is ring making) are discovered in full ding dong by Natalie, an associate professor in nanotechnology. She is an applicant for membership of a polyamory group and furnishes the link to the existing trio, Ingrid, (highly – charged) Jake (Mr Smooth ) and Andrew (flinty journo). These are first impressions before deeper traits emerge. 

All six are given colour and impact by an experienced cast. Claire Dougan (Julia) and Jon Pheloung (Reuben) complement each other well and Laura Hill as Natalie delivers the earnest scientist neatly. As prize manipulator Ingrid, Ali Harper is her zesty self and Toby Leach playing Jake is responsible for some very funny moments. Matt Hudson gives us an effective individual in Andrew and all ride out the distance in style. 

The playwright defines her work as a tragi-comedy. It seems to me more ironic and comedic than anything approaching tragedy, unless we see that there is something more in this predictable trajectory which confirms again and again the complexity of relationships. Meanwhile there is certainly no shortage of laughter in the play to tide us over.

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