Paul T Davies reviews Adults, a new play by Kieran Hurley now playing at the Traverse Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Anders Hayward and Conleth Hill. Photo: Kieran Hurley Adults

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

8 August 2023

4 Stars

Book Tickets

A new play by Kieran Hurley is always welcome, especially after his stunning Mouthpiece, among the best plays I've ever seen at the Fringe. Zara is running her own business, ambitious and driven and it works as a collective, employing Jake. It's a brothel, and when a client pays to meet a "boy", she's horrified to discover he's her former, and inspiring English teacher. When Jake arrives, he is with his crying baby daughter. What follows is a razor-sharp comedy that demonstrates the chasm between a Northern Powerhouse and the daily struggle for many people.

Anders Haywood and Dani Heron. Photo: Michaela Bodlovic

The cast are excellent and the comedic interplay pings around the auditorium. Conleth Hill is spot on as teacher Iain, vulnerable, defiant, judgemental and lonely, the emotional gear changes are handled with skill. Dani Heron is outstanding as Zara, at times her business approach is brutal, but she is terrified that her father may find out what she is doing, and she has a twisted view of children's books! Equally good is Anders Hayward as Jake, trying to just get through the day and hold onto his child, pressing an inner button to perform as a sex worker.

When a photo of Iain at the brothel goes viral, the house of cards begins to collapse, and I felt here the stakes could have been raised higher, they all capitulate to their changed circumstances a little too easily. However, what does emerge is poignant and surprisingly moving, tenderness being something that can be bought in a world that keeps getting worse. Powerfully funny and reflective, life among the sex toys is clumsy, awkward and funny as life itself.