The Phlebotomist review – a gasp-worthy dystopian thriller

'Bea (Jade Anouka), a phlebotomist, falls head over heels in love with Aaron (Rory Fleck Byrne) and the pair bond over poetry and pineapple juice. They live in a world, not far in the future, where scientific advances mean that a simple blood test can predict whether and when you will develop diseases. Even whether you have a propensity towards rule-breaking. You don’t have to find out your rating, but nondisclosure looks as if you have something to hide.'

'Ella Road’s debut play is a racy dystopian thriller that is part Black Mirror and part Brave New World. It comes very neatly packaged in a production by Sam Yates that elicits terrific performances, particularly from Anouka as a woman who wants a sure return on her emotional investments, but discovers real love is unconditional.'

'It’s intercut with video sequences, including news reports and adverts, which not only flesh out the reality of the world, but become increasingly chilling as the consequences of knowing your rating creates new laws and business opportunities.'

'...this is a gripping piece with some gasp-worthy moments using both head and heart to ask what it is we really value and why.'

Visit The Guardian online to read the full review here.

The Phlebotomist runs on the Main Stage until 20 April.

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