Blue Surge

Hooker meets cop and something clicks in the UK premiere of American playwright Rebecca Gilman’s layered, sympathetic 2001 play.

It’s a touching – and often very funny – observation of damaged lives in a small Midwest town, its characters coping the best way they can, but not always living up to the expectations of others who think they could – and should – do better in a supposedly upwardly mobile society.

Teenage masseuse Sandy, with her troubled background, has done the maths and reckons turning tricks beats stacking shelves or working in retail. Policeman Curt has, despite his working class background, snagged a classy artist girlfriend, Beth (whose parents have money, even if she hasn’t). At 38, he still hasn’t made lieutenant - partly because he’s too decent a guy to land his mess-up of a partner Doug (Alexander Guiney) in the shit in order to advance his own career.

Beth wants more from Curt, and he, in turn, wants to help Sandy get off the game. In contrast, Doug’s desires are far more basic when he gets together with her more brazen colleague (Kelly Burke).

Director Ché Walker quietly draws you into the complex relationship which develops between James Hillier’s Curt and Clare Latham’s Sandy. Honourable intentions don’t necessarily lead to happiness and, by continually subverting expectations, Gilman holds one’s attention throughout in yet another fine production at the Finborough.

Finborough, Finborough Road, SW10 9ED (0844 847 1652) Tube: Earl’s Court ticketweb.co.uk Until August 27 (£15 - £18)