THEATRE: THE FASTEST CLOCK IN THE UNIVERSE

Cougar Glass refuses to admit he’s getting old. Every year on his birthday he celebrates turning 19, again. This year is no exception, and he’s invited gorgeous schoolboy Foxtrot Darling to dinner in the hope of seducing him. There’s just one problem: Foxtrot has brought with him his pregnant fiance, Sherbet Gravel. This is the first time The Fastest Clock In The Universe has been performed in Australia. Newtown Theatre’s handling of Philip Ridley’s darkly humourous play is enjoyable if not remarkable. Though bouyed tonight by the solid performances of the cast, the production is driven more by Ridley’s compelling script, which regardless of the treatment make it two hours well spent.

Until Apr 17, Newtown Theatre, cnr King & Bray Sts, $20-25, newtowntheatre.com.au

BY LUCY HEARN