The Chemistry Test
“The technology is safe.” It’s the phrase we hear almost daily in relation to Artificial Intelligence, and we need to believe it since we’re entrusting so many aspects of our lives to AI. But can AI really replicate and take over in every sphere? What about when it comes to relationships and that most complex emotion of love?
That’s what Jack Cray explores in his two-hander, where we meet Steve and Evie (Jack Cray and Hannah Adams), two Artificial Intelligences who are being tested to see if they can descend to earth and pass off as a married couple.
The intimate venue seems an appropriate setting for this show since the theme of intimacy is central to their exploration – or rather lack of it!
We’re told from the beginning that the experiment is going to take place in front of an audience who will be involved at various points, but beyond some of the audience being pulled up on stage it’s not made entirely clear why this experiment would be staged with an audience. It feels like this is a bit of the story introduced to justify audience participation.
The story is clever. It’s clear that the two AIs already behave like an old married couple, even if they don’t realise it as they try to convince others that they are indeed married. Their awkward disagreements at dinner parties in front of friends (random audience members!) is a recognisable situation from the world of sit coms.
The actual performance values, however, lack conviction. This is a show that has already appeared on the fringe scene, and so I would expect something more polished. At times the acting feels hesitant and the action would benefit from a little more pace. One would expect a little more flow and chemistry from two actors who are also a couple off stage!
The other distracting feature is the occasional appearance of the tech guy as a stagehand. There is little discretion in his appearance and I wonder whether his appearances could be built into the action for the two already on stage.
Having said this, it’s still a fun hour in the small venue and there are some ‘elements’ of fun. It’s definitely on the money with the prevalence of AI in our lives and the concern about where it will lead. With a little more development and a more discrete stagehand, this could be a witty and entertaining piece of theatre.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd October 2024 at The Stage Door Theatre, London where it runs until the 26th October 2024. Tickets available here: The Chemistry Test 22nd - 26th Oct | Stage Door Theatre
Review written by Ian Worsfold
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Photo credit: Jules Porter / Peter Davies
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