Produced by Bespoke Plays, this production is technically a rehearsed reading, but you’d hardly know it. True to their style, Bespoke creates the experience of a fully staged performance, complete with props, set design and a cast that know their lines so well it feels seamless and polished.

We open on a couple, Celeste (Caroline Ford) and Daniel (Jay Faisca) receiving a mysterious delivery. Their excitement is palpable as they open the package containing several bottles of clean water. In this dystopian future, the public water supply is laced with birth control, and in order to conceive, couples must first apply for permission through a rigorous, bureaucratic process overseen by an organisation called The Bureau. Celeste and Daniel’s application has been approved and they’re ready to celebrate.

They throw a ‘water party’ and invite their close friends – Layla (Tiffany Smith) and Ray (Jack Whittle), new parents to baby Henry along with Mara (Madeleine Herd) and Charlie (Will Cox) to mark the occasion. This celebratory event gradually takes a turn as tensions rise when the conversation turns to the application process, the emotional and psychological toll it takes and the lack of autonomy imposed on them, especially the women. Mara in particular is coming to terms with another rejection and spirals into a state of despair, sharing her feelings of failure and helplessness. Her distress highlights the central themes of the play surrounding the disproportionate impact of a system designed to take away women’s agency and any form of reproductive choice or freedom. As the evening goes on, secrets are uncovered and a growing sense of unease takes hold. 

What makes WATER PARTY particularly compelling is how jarringly relevant it feels in its proximity to our current reality. This feels particularly apparent in the wake of events in the US like the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and recently in the UK, with the Supreme Court ruling further marginalising the transgender community, inflicting legal control of identity and freedom. This familiarity creates a deep resonance for the audience, heightening its urgency, intention and a commitment to resistance. Mimi Collins’ script is sharp, nuanced and completely engrossing with a cast that brings the story to life with impressive energy and authenticity. A special shout out to Madeleine Herd as Mara, whose portrayal of her character’s emotional journey and unraveling felt so raw and tangible.

WATER PARTY is a powerful, gripping piece that exposes the dangers of coercion, systemic control and the suppression of choice. Catch it while you can – it’s on for the final night tonight at the Union Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets here. I’m buzzing to see what’s next for WATER PARTY – it’s already a standout!