Two women meet for the first time. They have a deadly mission to undertake. But who are they – and what are they up to? Get ready for sparks.

This is a site-specific piece of theatre. So the action takes place inside (and outside) a tent, with three pods reserved for the audience who catch a glimpse of the sea. Scratch your armpit and your elbow will be on the stage. We’re that close to the actors.

We first meet Billie. She starts off like a sensible type who is maybe a bit churchy. Then Eva arrives in dynamic black with the compulsive agitation of a crack addict. It looks like a match made in hell.

But they start to get to know each other. Do you remember your first time? Billie met a boy in the church who stole the holy wine. Eva’s first was at 13 but she can’t remember much. After that they both got a bit bored with blokes.

The eye contact between the two actors is electric. At times it can be coy, bitter or seductive. A distant stare tells its own story. They play cards to pass the time before it gets dark and the mission begins.

You drink too much! You take too many drugs! Do you swing this way or that? It depends!

The plot twists back and forth as they agonise over a decision that will affect the rest of their lives. It’s a cliffhanger as to how the story will end. We won’t spoil the plot. But there are plenty of laughs between the tension.

The play, devised by the Dogma Theatre Company, is performed by Léoni Hughes and Lily Catalifo, with Brendan Lucia as the director. Dogma Theatre, an Anglo-Italian Company, already have excellent form from the Camden Fringe.

Overall, ‘A Long Way Down’ is cracking good theatre and must rank as one of the best short plays in the Brighton Fringe. Catch it now in the Dogma Tent on New Steine Gardens (off St James Street) before it goes to bigger venues.

New Steine Gardens, 7.00pm on 20th – 25th May 2019
Photo by Dogma Theatre Company