Ever suffered a severe case of foot and mouth? Said something really stupid that once the words had left your mouth you knew it would hurt someone you really cared for? Put your hand up if you have had one of those moments… sure as hell Greg seems to constantly have these moments throughout this two-hour play!

Greg (Andrew Henry) and Steph (Julia Grace) have a violent fracas in their apartment one night over something Greg may or may not have said. Things turn nasty as a bottle is smashed against the wall and Steph leaves in a fit of anger and tears.

Kent (Stephen James King) and Carly (Lucy Maunder) are a married couple working nightshifts at the local processing plant. They seem to adore each other… or do they?

James Beach has directed an interesting production about saying something that is really hurtful about someone and the consequences of when it gets back to that person. We have all said something really stupid either with a group of friends that you know would offend a partner if it got back to them just to sound cool.

The production is a little disjointed in the first half but flows beautifully in the second, which redeems the entire show as it pulls the plot together.

Neil LaBute has written a play that makes you think about all the bitchy nasty comments you have said about people over time and how you would react to them if they found out what you actually thought!

Andrew Henry as Greg is a very awkward individual on stage that you can’t help feel very sorry for and actually by the end you quite enjoy his performance. Stephen James King as Kent is an absolute arsehole and has no redeeming factor at all, he is a great actor but the character is a self obsessed douche who deserves everything that he gets and hopefully more! Julia Grace as Steph is a very angry individual who can make her presence known on stage by screaming and boy does she have a good set on lungs. Lucy Maunder as Carly is quite an interesting character on stage who in the beginning is rather ordinary but by the end you really grow a fondness for her naivety.

Reasons to be Pretty in the beginning was a little slow, but the second half was definitely worth the stay. The performances by the actors are very strong and it is worthwhile viewing this stage play just to watch the actors work in the space.

Reasons to be Pretty is currently playing @ Darlinghurst Theatre.

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