Jack Studio Theatre – until 7 June 2025
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
3***
Game Play is a delightfully offbeat show about a relationship that isn’t picture perfect. Beginning with a monologue from Dom (Sam Law) sharing his “wisdom” about how to approach first dates, his technique works and he and Izzy (Hayley Calleia) hit it off immediately.
The story then jumps to a scene where it isn’t immediately obvious whether they are now living together as friends or are in an open relationship, but this is soon made clear as Dom talks about his date – according to Izzy he’s collecting humanitarian girlies like Pokémon cards. As the story unfolds it becomes obvious that Izzy needs some sort of friction or danger to feel happy in a relationship and Dom is prepared to do anything for the woman he loves, although resentment is bubbling under the surface as he provides her with what she needs.
R.K. Chui has written fascinating yet relatable characters tying themselves in knots and Calleia and Law are a dynamic and charismatic duo, effortlessly funny and delivering exciting performances ensuring that the audience’s sympathy is constantly shifting as the games reveal and shift the power dynamics. Aoife Scott’s confident direction sets a swift pace which could be tempered a little when certain scenes have hit hard and need time to settle. The pace works best when there is a musical break between scenes. There is a lot of karaoke and dance – music and dad dancing seem to be the couple’s healing time where they reset their rhythm and minds. The structure is interesting as the couple physically warm up for certain scenes, give their “prepared” monologues through the microphone or discuss what they have planned to show the audience the next part of their story, breaking the fourth wall with charm and humour.
With R.K. Chui’s deft and witty writing and excellent performances, Game Play is an insightful and funny play that has enormous potential.