Bille Brown Studio, Queensland Theatre Company

June 13, 2014

The Effect, a new play from acclaimed young British writer Lucy Prebble, is an achingly raw composition about the way that we live our lives, the way that we fall in love, and whether it really matters in the end. It raises questions that only the individual can answer, including whether love is truly anything more than a chemical attraction.

Uptight psychology student Connie, (Anna McGahan), signs up for the clinical trial of a new drug – a super anti-depressant. Separated from the outside world, she forms a strong bond with fellow test subject, happy-go-lucky Tristan (Mark Leonard Winter). But is it true love, or just a side-effect? The supervising doctor and her superior discourage the burgeoning relationship as it threatens the results of the trial, but it soon becomes apparent that they are struggling with their own past relations.

Winter is brilliant from the moment he enters the stage, maintaining the free spirit and relentless optimism of his character throughout the play. McGahan starts out shakily, with jarring inflection and seemingly forced delivery, but eases quickly into the role and gives a heart-wrenching performance overall....