Christopher Manoe's workmanlike new play may not break new ground, but it's certainly a salutary warning never to mix business with pleasure or to have an affair with the man who pays your wages. In fact, it casts a pretty negative light on human nature in general as a handful of 30 somethings gather together in boss James's bachelor pad to celebrate the success of his media company.
A cast crammed with TV regulars successfully differentiates the rather too sketchily drawn characters who work for him. One can sympathise with the frustration of Sue Devaney's Gina as Robert (her wimpish partner since teenage times) fails miserably to put off Emily Aston's socially inept Kate, a gatecrashing temp who proves to be not only an obnoxious misfit but also a devious eavesdropper with an unexpectedly malicious streak. And though James flaunts his genial hospitality and gratitude to his staff, there's a self-serving selfishness not far below the surface bonhomie.
Manoe, who also directs, comes up with a handful of arresting lines and some effective comedy moments. He doesn't quite pull it all off – there's not enough plot to get your teeth into, and the production lacks momentum - but it's a serviceable attempt which, one hopes, doesn't too accurately reflect his own office experiences or the personalities of his former colleagues.
New Players, The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2 (020-7478 0135). Until September 27. £12.50-£28.50
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