No sparks for old flames

What The NightIs For

Writer Michael Weller must have lived a pretty sheltered life if he thinks adultery is, as the programme notes claim, still ‘an incredibly emotionally
charged taboo’. According to the endless stream of surveys, we’re at it all the time these days, with nowhere near as much agonising and self-absorption as the two characters portrayed here suggest is involved.

The play is set in the windowless hotel room of Lindy Metz (Gillian Anderson), who has agreed to meet up with her former lover Adam (Roger Allam). The two spar gently and swap life stories — they last spoke ten years ago
when Lindy left New York abruptly and with no farewell — and toy with the idea of picking up where they left off.

These ‘will they, won’t they?’ shenanigans last the entire play (more than two hours): first about whether they’ll have sex; then about whether they’ll
continue an affair; then about whether they’ll leave their partners for each other.

There is much wringing of hands, more and more revelations about the characters’ unhappy situations and an emotional ratcheting-up of Anderson’s role that she handles well, having made a rather quiet start. But the flimsy, drawn-out plot can’t sustain interest for so long. And, crucially, the lustful
sparks between Anderson and Allam fail to fly: their slightly reserved responses to each other leave little with which to really engage.

Booking until Feb 23, Comedy Theatre, Panton Street SW1, Tue to Sat 7.30pm, Sun 4pm, Wed and Sat mats 3pm, £10 to £37.50.

Tel: 020 7369 1731.

Tube: Piccadilly Circus

What The Night Is For