Presented as a double bill Ensemble Theatre’s latest production features The Lover & The Dumb Waiter, two compelling one-act short plays by Harold Pinter.

Though both are classic Pinter, the two plays differ entirely in set design and narrative. They stand alone, with no direct link between their stories, connected only by the playwright’s unmistakable style.

British playwright Pinter takes the inane everyday conversations and secrets, then twists them into something edging on dangerous. He once described his words as weapons, used to veil and undermine – and we see this masterfully executed in both plays.

The Lover stars Gareth Davies (Richard) and Nicole da Silva (Sarah) as a married couple in an open marriage. Sarah enjoys afternoon visits from her lover, while Richard is very well acquainted with a whore – a term used with disarming bluntness in their casual exchanges. In one scene, Richard nonchalantly asks: “Is your lover coming today?” The pair discuss their unconventional arrangement without stooping to jealousy, insisting instead on the importance of maintaining a sense of dignity.

As is typical for Pinter, characters dominate and in The Lover Davies is captivating, seamlessly shifting between the reserved husband and the debonair lover, drawing frequent laughter from the audience. Their interactions are a mix of flirtation, role-play, and wit — starkly contrasted with the rigid façade of their 1950s domestic life, where Sarah dutifully greets Richard with a glass of whisky.

However, Pinter is known for creating a sense of unease and The Lover gradually slips into uncertainty as the dynamics shift, leaving the audience to question the truth of the characters’ relationship. 

In The Dumb Waiter we see Davies return, this time in the role of Ben, joined by Anthony Taufa as his sidekick Gus. The pair play hitmen holed up in a former basement kitchen, awaiting their next assignment. As mysterious food orders arrive through a serving hatch, tension builds and their anxiety escalates. This second play leans into dark comedy, laced with a vaudevillian flair, as the two bicker and unravel in the claustrophobic space.

Set and Costume Designer Simone Romaniuk delivers two exceptional settings: a quintessential 1950s lounge complete with hanging bead curtains, a vintage drinks trolley, and bold orange décor, contrasted starkly by a bleak, gray basement furnished with just two single beds. The costumes align seamlessly with the narrative — Ben and Gus evoke classic gangsters in grey suits, suspenders, and gun holsters, while The Lovers don vibrant, era-appropriate attire.

Directed by Mark Kilmurry, both plays are rich in subtext. Kilmurry skilfully navigates the scripts, building suspense and weaving in moments of comedy. These are thought-provoking plays that fire up the brain and encourage pondering beyond the stage.

4 stars

Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval).

The Lover & The Dumb Waiter is playing now at Ensemble Theatre until 7 June 2025. 

For tickets visit Ensemble Theatre

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