Triple X, Sydney Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre, Wharf 1 Theatre, 8 Jan-26 Feb 2022

 

This much-delayed modern romcom finally gets its Sydney season, nearly two years after it was originally planned. And there's a reason this has stuck around when other shows in development  - it's not the most surprisingly original plot in the world (guy in the hours before his wedding thinks about his relationship with his ex, and, surrounded by friends and family, ends up making a decision), but the angle that this is a hetrosexual man and his ex is a trans-woman does begin to suggest some of the complications in store. Throw in a more-than-usually invested family, a few shocking offstage events, a dramatically significant bottle of avocado oil, some dodgy standup and a surprise appearance and you've got the making of a truly fascinating evening in the theatre.

As writer and lead actress, Glace Chase has the goods. Her dialogue is fast and witty, and as a performer she's confident, direct, vulnerable and ready for anything. It's a play that uses the familiar form to tell a story with a lot of bitter broken edges in it, and tells it well. 

For the rest of the cast, Josh McConville is a charmingly likeable leading man, even as it becomes clear how little he knows himself and how incapable he is of really standing by his passions. Elijah Williams as the sleazy best friend gives just enough to make it clear why they're still friends, Christen O'Leary as the complicated mother is a bundle of raw energy, aggravation and ultimately affection, and Cotessa Treffone as the oh-so-right-on sister is just the right side of frustrating. 

Paige Rattray's direction gives it sophistication, style and effectiveness as the play moves from farce-to-drama in a single scene, as we see a relationship from go to whoa in the course of a night, with highs and lows and in-betweens. Renee Mulder's set is a gorgeous delight, with a few surprises built into the furniture thanks to Design Realiser Jeremy Allen.

This is a startingly gorgeous comedy that leaves us thinking about love, life and the whole being-human thing in a very different light, and absolutely worth seeing.