The Effect

Overview

Imagine if there was a drug that could make the person you have saved as your iPhone wallpaper fall in love with you. "Gimme gimme," I hear you screaming at your screen. Well sorry, outside of Shrek 2 such thing doesn’t exist. But the latest Queensland Theatre Company’s play, The Effect, shows that maybe, just maybe, the best love drug of all doesn’t come in a little pink capsule.

When Connie signs up for a clinical trial for a new, super-duper anti-depressant she meets fellow volunteer Tristan and flirtation ensues; but not in cafes, or studio apartments, or outside Pie Face on Queen Street Mall – rather, in the confines of their clinical trial room, with no contact with the outside world. In time, the chemicals running through their systems tamper with their youthful bodies, igniting canoodling, kissing and all things that make Nicholas Sparks smile. This threatens to throw the whole drug-trial off course, and that’s when the real trouble begins.

The Effect is playing at Billie Brown Studio until the 5th of July. Whether you're head over heals in love, or a cynical spinster, you won't be disappointed by the twists and turns of this production. Plus, it's a little reassuring to know that the best way to someone’s heart is to get jacked up on anti-depressants, and lock yourself in a room with them – cue Tom Jones.