The Irresistible

The Irresistible is devoid of a conventional plotline. It’s composed of non-linear and divergent stories that overlap to form an experimental narrative. There’s a mysterious plane crash and pilots hungry for snacks. There’s family drama and a supernatural light. There’s a sex worker and a client with a saviour complex. The mystery behind all these narratives presents The Irresistible as a mixture of The Twilight Zone and The X-Files, and director/co-writer Zoe Pepper’s style brings a Twin Peaks aesthetic. It is singular.  

The greatest pleasure of the show is in the performances of the two actors/co-writers: Adriane Daff and Tim Watts. Adopting the ocker cheek of an Australian pilot announcing a safe-landing, Watts opens the show with hilarity and familiarity. He moves to a poncey, anxiety-ridden Council Ranger then to a younger woman experimenting with her sexuality and body positivity. Each one, without context, we trust and believe immediately. 

It is similar with Daff, whose patient and frustrated wife, grieving sister and sex worker are fascinating to watch. The last's storyline - in which Daff portrays both a dancer and a lawyer with an ego-issue and saviour complex - is enough on its own to recommend the show. She is gut-wrenching. Watching the sexist and conventional bile come from her mouth is a visceral experience. 

With so many characters and transitions between stories, the creative use of mics and voice-modifying software is a godsend. Pepper’s work here is truly inventive, and makes it always clear which character’s voice booms out. The uncut butcher's curtains that hang are part of Jonathon Oxlade’s brilliant set and costume design. The actors wear neutral textures and tones, which helps facilitate their seamless transitions between characters, storylines, and temporalities. 

These transitions are also facilitated by Richard Vabre’s lighting design, which uses strong colours to visually mark which storyline we are following. Phil Downing’s sound design cups the entire experience and helps make a quick - sometimes difficult to follow - plot coherent and enjoyable.

Weird and evocative, The Irresistible is a rich experience. The edgy collaboration of Side Pony Productions and The Last Great Hunt showcases superb talent across the design, acting, and directing team.