★★★★☆

Red Speedo is a thrilling and thought-provoking dive into the murky waters of competitive sports, leaving audiences questioning the true cost of victory.

Ray, played by Finn Cole making his stage debut, is a swimmer who is close to qualifying for the Olympics and landing a life-changing sponsorship deal. That all changes when performance-enhancing drugs are discovered in the club's refrigerator.

Ray's brother wants them destroyed, his coach wants to call the authorities, his ex-girlfriend doesn't want to know, and Ray wants the drugs back. Lucas Hnath's writing cuts to the bone, presenting a moral quandary that echoes far beyond the swimming pool.

The motif of baby carrots, washed with small amounts of chlorine to clean them, cleverly parallels the chlorine in swimming pools, symbolising Ray's comfort in water.

Director Matthew Dunster utilises this symbol masterfully, showcasing Ray (Finn Cole) at ease when consuming them and on edge when he is not. This subtle yet powerful imagery underscores Ray's reliance on the water as his sanctuary.

Ray's tattoo of a sea serpent could be referring to its legend of sea serpents which represent creation, destruction, and renewal.

Ex-girlfriend or drug dealer? Parker Lapaine (Lydia) and Finn Cole (Ray) (credit Johan Persson).

Ray's swimming career starts with promise, falters with underperformance, and is revived through performance-enhancing drugs.

The sea serpent, much like Ray, causes chaos damaging the lives of those around them. Ray's actions jeopardise the careers of his ex-girlfriend, his brother, and his coach, mirroring the destructive nature of the mythological creature.

Hnath also delves into the morality of doping. Is it fair to level the playing field with drugs when natural advantages can be so disparate?

Ray's struggle to compete against naturally gifted swimmers prompts a reflection on the lengths people go to achieve fairness in an inherently unfair world.

This ethical dilemma resonates with both athletes and everyday people, highlighting the pervasive nature of competitive pressures.

Red Speedo's set is designed by Anna Fleischle and lighting by Sally Fergusson (credit: Johan Persson).

Ciaran Owens delivers a riveting performance as Peter, a heel with depth. His scenes with Finn Cole are electric, their dynamic bringing out the best in each other's performances, even as their characters' decisions drive the story into darker territories.

Cole's stage debut as Ray is nothing short of excellent, capturing the nuanced turmoil of a man conflicted with the right thing to do.

The line "I'm tired of winning" encapsulates the dual fatigue of cheating and the relentless expectations placed upon Ray by his loved ones and society.

It speaks to the broader American dream, where the pressure to succeed can push individuals to break the rules.

Matthew Dunster's direction shines in moments of pause, shouting, and physical distance, effectively portraying the shifting relationships under pressure.

Fraser James (Coach), Finn Cole (Ray) and Ciarán Owens (Peter) (credit Johan Persson).

Anna Fleischle's set design, featuring a swimming pool and Sally Fergusson's lighting, immerses the audience in the world of the swimming club brilliantly.

Red Speedo marks Dunster's directorial debut at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond and is the third new play of 2024 at the OT.

Hnath's writer's notes poignantly reflect on the current landscape of doping in sports, ironically referencing recent political discourse and the ever-present tension in America's competitive, profit-driven society.

America's dual stance on doping is explored excellently as the country condemns those caught yet forgets those who fail – underscoring the play's central theme. Ultimately, Ray was damned if did take drugs or damned if he didn't.

The play is also timely as there are controversy surrounding Chinese swimmers at the Paris Olympics and notorious scandals like that of Korneila Ender in 1976, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Red Speedo's exploration of fairness, pressure, and morality in sports.

To find out more about Red Speedo and The Orange Tree Theatre, click here.

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