The B in the Room – Paradise in the Vault

Older woman Dana thinks she also likes girls. Teenage Elliot would like to only like girls, but... That's the premise of this excellent show. Set in their bedrooms, both ingeniously played on a single set, we hear them confess in monologue before they expand to consult each other. It may seem contrived that they talk and act out other scenes with each other, but its a great way to illuminate the struggles they go through. Elliot has to deal with the religious persistence of his parents and pastor while he comes to terms with his uncertain sexuality. Dana has reached her thirties before accepting that she can act on her impulses towards other women.

That both characters are in confusion and struggling to understand a way forward makes this more than a standard conforming/coming out story.

The actors are superb. Dana plays up to her thirties while Elliot plays down to early teens, but both are utterly convincing. They deliver with great pace and have great cue-bite as the narrative switches from one to the other.

The technicals are great for a fringe show. Lights and sound add depth to the production.

This is a silky smooth, funny, thought provoking production.

Derek Benfield