This is an extraordinary cocktail of tension and humour, based on real life events twenty years earlier, which packs rather a lot into sixty minutes. It’s very difficult to write about without spoiling it, though, but I’ll try.
Sam and Nick have been communicating online for a few weeks, following an advert that Sam placed. This has culminated with a weekend visit by Sam to Nick’s home with a specific and shocking purpose. Sam has told his friends he’s gone to Fiji, hence the title. This is no ordinary online connection, or indeed dinner date.
They do start with dinner and we begin to learn about their mutually agreed intent, reliving a true crime with grave consequences. It goes from matter-of-fact discussions to emotionally charged exchanges as the end of their time together gets closer, though the motivation of either of them is never entirely clear.
The play isn’t credited with an individual writer, but to Clay Party and Conflicted Theatre. It’s superbly acted by Eddie Loodmer-Elliott as Nick and Pedro Leandro as Sam. Evan Jordan’s production ramps up the tension gradually and twists and turns until you’re on the edge of your seat at the end.
A highly original piece that’s brilliantly executed. The discomfort and tension in the audience said it all.
Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog 