Review: SLAP, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Oct 1 2015

Tom Cox

Not for the faint-hearted, 'Slap' thrusts you into the shimmering world of Dominique, a trans hooker on the brink of a breakdown. With her cute, chavvy, but oh so high boyfriend locked in the toilet and her current client banging down her door, so to speak, the night can only get wilder - and this play doesn't fail to disappoint.

What starts off as a slapstick comedy not dissimilar to Fawlty Towers, the piece delivers punch and humor before moving into something altogether more powerful. Alexis Gregory's play hits all the right buttons to whip up a whirlwind of emotions and taking on the lead role himself he is mesmerising as Dominique.

Frankie Fitzgerald is a natural playing bashful boyfriend Danny, who is desperately trying to live up to his dad's East end reputation and Nigel Fairs gives an assured performance as Dominique's potential lifeline.

The show is performed in Theatre Royal Stratford East's new venue with a thoroughly immersive twist. Actors and audience intertwine as Dominique gives out dinner and flirts with her guests. Rikki Beadle-Blair's direction utilises this space impeccably and having also taken on the design deserves double the praise. The room is transformed into an all glitter no shade haven which works to cement this fantastic night out.

Despite being Gregory's debut play, 'Slap' makes a unique dent into the world of theatre. Exploring grief and loneliness through an exceptional character, it's well worth getting tangled in Dominique's fabulous lair.