SEX WITH STRANGERS

What happens when you put a Gen Y blogger at the prime of his career together with an unsuccessful novelist with a bruised ego who is pushing 40? For Ethan (Ryan Corr) and Olivia (Jacqueline McKenzie) who first meet at a writers’ retreat, an unlikely attraction is formed. When the two lovebirds return to the real world, Olivia quickly learns that Ethan’s bestselling novel, the aptly named Sex with Strangers, is a chronicle of his many sexual conquests. It’s not long before sparks fly out of the bedroom and into their everyday lives as the two are forced to grapple with their new relationship.

The two-hander was written by prolific playwright Laura Eason and first premiered in Chicago and has been described as, “sharply contemporary,” “provocative and timely,” and, “quietly ferocious.” I caught up with ruggedly handsome and exciting up-and-comer Ryan Corr who is best known for playing Coby Jennings on Packed to the Rafters and his latest role in the well-received Aussie flick Not Suitable for Children.

Corr admits before he signed up for this STC debut he was a bit of a techno-phobe himself but the 23-year-old star has been busy reading blogs. So how fun is it playing a player? Corr insists Ethan isn’t a jerk and while he also confesses that starring alongside STC stage veteran and screen siren Jacqueline McKenzie is a thrill in its own right, the main focus is on giving a well-rounded performance. Well, with a script that is said to be sexy, dramatic, smart and funny all at once – audiences are in for one rollercoaster of an evening.

Sep 24-Nov 24, Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $40-79, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au