⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

Jake Brunger’s Four Play, now running at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington, is a witty and perceptive exploration of monogamy within queer relationships that is brought to life by a strong cast and inventive direction. Originally written and staged in 2014, the play is being revisited over a decade later with tweaks to the script that make it feel current and relevant. With a tightly constructed 90-minute runtime, the play introduces us to Rafe (Lewis Cornay) and Pete (Zheng Xi Yong), a long-term couple grappling with the fear that monogamy may have limited their romantic experiences. What begins as a one-time-only proposition to their friend Michael (Daniel Bravo) - with the firm rule that Michael should not tell his partner, Andy (Jo Foster) - quickly unravels into something far more emotionally tangled.

Brunger’s script is insightful and often laugh-out-loud funny, and is brought to life by director Jack Sain, who makes clever use of the intimate King’s Head Theatre playing space, staging the action with the audience on three sides of the stage. The more naturalistic scenes are punctuated by stylised transitions, using original music by Benedict Cork and colourful lighting design by Daniel Carter-Brennan to great effect in order to enhance the shifts in tone and atmosphere. The opening scene, which sees Rafe, Pete, and Michael entering the theatre carrying large yoga balls and launching into a synchronised workout routine choreographed by movement director Charlie Martin, sets a playful tone for the show. Furthermore, having the characters complete gym workouts during some of the scenes not only adds humour, such as a serious proposition attempted while balancing on a shifting yoga ball or relationship issues discussed mid-side plank, but also allows the actors’ physical characterisation to shine through in a dynamic and engaging way. Likewise, the choice to have Andy record and send voice messages to other characters from a balcony above the audience adds humour as well as a smart spatial dynamic. Peiyao Wang’s set design is minimal but effective, evoking the stylish interiors of the characters’ flats without compromising sightlines from any angle, while the costume design (also by Wang) aids in subtlely nodding to each of the characters’ personalities.

The four-person cast are all strong in their characterisation, but special mention must go to Lewis Cornay, who imbues Rafe with charm, sharp comic timing, and wonderfully expressive facial reactions. Likewise, Jo Foster is a scene-stealer as Andy: their delivery is effortlessly funny, and they win the audience’s affection from the moment they step into the story.

Overall, Four Play is a sharp and stylish exploration of modern queer relationships: consistently funny, emotionally intelligent, and confidently staged.

Four Play runs at King’s Head Theatre until 17th August 2025.

Tickets Available Here