Built for Two reviews

ED FRINGE REVIEW

`This is a well-polished piece of drama. A very big applause should go to Lucy Kempster and
Emma Beverley, the adept writers of this script, who I admire for their mastery of naturalistic
and quietly amusing dialogue. Moreover the casting is spot on and the actors' high standard
of acting brings out the subtleties in the script extremely well. The characters are believable,
well thought out and familiar without being stereotypical.

Peter (Harry Egan) is at first sweet and easy in his role, but I felt he fully fulfilled his potential
when his character turns towards the nervous and eventually darker brooding personality, who
is often silent onstage, but casts a shadow of tension over the rest of the action.

Julie's best (male) friend, Andrew (Stuart Gresham) is a cheeky flirt and has much more
comfortable stage presence. His acting is naturalistic almost to the point of being odd on
occasion, as though he isn't performing at all. At other moments he seems to play with the
audience, still without compromising the naturalism in his performance; he uses an imaginary
bathroom mirror as an excuse to face into the audience and amuse us. He is the driving force
behind the comedy in a scene in which he is oblivious to the tension between him and Peter
the boyfriend, alone in the bathroom together (or perhaps feigning to be).

`Built for Two' is an unassuming production, but thorough and hard to fault. I salute thee.'


Three Weeks

`A fantastic comedy centred on a bathroom in a flat, covering everything from how to use
mouthwash correctly, to a love triangle (that turns out to possibly be a love square instead),
"shots before shoes", drunken kisses, regretted liaisons, and back story galore. The four actors
work well together to make a cohesive performance and with angst, humour, and bathroom
routines, the play really captures the lot of those who have recently graduated from student
life.'


The Stage

`Its strength lies in the authentic feel of the various conversations along the way - lovers'
banter between Peter and Julie, guy talk between the two lads and girl talk between the
roommates.

Whether or not a second act to this play is ever written, there is clear evidence of talent here
that bodes well for their next project.'


The Scotsman

`It feels slightly invasive to watch someone's morning routine. Observing Peter (Harry Egan)
and Julie (Jennifer Campbell) share the most basic of intimacies seems voyeuristic at times, but
it is nonetheless compelling to watch their attempts at creating a new domestic bliss.

Peter likes things a particular way, whereas Julie seeks more spontaneity out of life, but they
both appear content in this seemingly stable relationship. Things quickly move in the wrong
direction, however, with the arrival of the mischievous schoolfriend Andrew (Stuart Gresham)
and vivacious flatmate Lizzie (Kate Butler).

This is less of a love triangle and more of a very dysfunctional square that spirals out of control
slowly but surely. The company effectively captures all the nuances of relationships without
any of the cliches. The four subtle performances combined with a natural and relaxed dialogue
leaves room for chemistry in abundance. There is plenty of material which genuinely surprises
and keep us guessing long after the shower curtain has fallen.'

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Scotsgay

`An intimate bathroom sink drama which is instantly familiar to anyone who has ever lived in a
shared house. Four friends - Peter, Julie, Andrew, and Liz - are getting ready for a night out
but it soon becomes very clear that these `friends' share more than just a bathroom.

What starts as a student lifestyle situation comedy rapidly moves into quite an emotional
exploration of adultery and misplaced love. It's well performed by four actors who create
instantly familiar characters. Particularly Stuart Gresham as Andrew who exudes laddish charm
and Kate Butler as Liz who gives a strong emotional performance.

A funny and tender drama which displays a great deal of potential.'

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