The Red

Marcus Brigstock's debut play (as writer and director) is a beautifully constructed two hander. Benedict's wine loving dad has just died and, in his will, he asks Benedict to drink one, very expensive, bottle of red wine from the year of his birth that was bought for a special occasion but never opened. But Benedict is an alcoholic who has been dry for 25 years so what should he do? The play is a conversation between Benedict and his father (who is present though dead) about whether one drink, to honour his father's wish, would be ok, or the end of 25 years, his career, partner and kids. Beautifully paced and clevery constructed the arguments swing between yes and no, drink or abstain, risk it or never know. A thought provoking piece