“Eve and Adam” by Tara Anegada
Nottingham New Theatre

This is a new play, so there were no expectations from me as to what this was about.

We start at the beginning with the voice of God explaining that Eve was created first and then God made Adam from one of Eve's ribs and, quite reasonably confirmed that "man" was made from "wo man".

We then seem to come to the modern times with Adam and Eve in a passionate relationship, but then one night, Adam is visited by the snake from the Bible, well we all know what happened then.

Various scenarios are then played out from the first flushes of the relationship where the pair could not wait to see each other and when they got together, passionate sparks flew and sex was an integral part of their relationship. Throughout the play, and at various stages of the relationship, we re-visit the same scenarios and we see the diminishing ardour for each other. But then there are twists with viewpoints from both sides, initiated by the snake. Plus Adam has been a naughty boy!

I really must commend the three actors, Georgia Barnwell, Barney Hartwill and Francis Simmons for filling 105 minutes with edge of the seat drama. I for one, not knowing anything about the play was gripped as to what was to happen next and what the outcome was to be. 105 minutes is a long time for just three actors to keep the momentum and expectation at the rate that they did.

I must also commend Tara Anegada for her strong and gripping script as well as her Direction of the play, along with Co-Director Lillian Race and Producer Oscar Rigg and Assistant Producer, Alice Martin.

Creating the intensity and tension of this play also must be credited to the tech crew, Adam Frankland (Technical Director), Joe Stables (Lighting Design) and Tara Anegada's Sound Design. Assistant Sound designer was Alex Levy. The harsh blackouts and distortion to separate the scenes really creates an uncomfortable feeling, which I loved.

The set design, by Annie Clayton, hits you as soon as you walk into the performance space, with a large tree of knowledge seemingly growing in the room. It's definitely eye-catching.

I was fascinated by Rohan Rakhit role in this play as he is billed as the Sexual Theatre Designer. I must admit that I have never seen this role before mentioned in any production I've seen, but after seeing the play, I think I know what the role entailed.

I love new theatre and this one definitely ticked all the boxes for me. Anyone who has been involved in long term relationships will also recognise themselves, possibly, or someone else in Adam and Eve, or even Eve and Adam.

“Eve and Adam” is at the Nottingham New Theatre until Tuesday 11 June.