★★★★

The title of this production derives from one play in Caryl Churchill’s original 50: two characters in bed together decide that love and sex are nothing more than mechanisms for passing on variant genetic information.

This unappealing notion was reinforced by a series of dramatic episodes based around a modern obsession with electronic gadgetry – but the occasional bleakness of this theme was in sharp contrast to the creativity of the author and the slick exhilaration of the brilliant staging.

Ideas with words, mime or image rushed after each other in quick succession, barely leaving time to register on the audience. Projections on a screen at the back of the stage were imaginative, exemplifying a generally resourceful set construction.

There were moments of comedy, sadness, and, frankly, weirdness: the directionless script allowed Kirsty Elmer and her cast to create an evening of exciting episodic theatre.

However, the stroboscopic nature was disturbing and ultimately unsatisfying. Perhaps that’s the point. Information overload brings about an ever shorter attention span just as our ability to connect electronically risks isolating us personally. We are in danger of moving so fast that we cannot develop ourselves or our relationships. Brave New Venture, scary new world.