SUTCo’s The Effect – 12 March 2025, University Drama Studio

Review by Claire Taranaski.

Sheffield University Theatre Company’s latest production is of Lucy Prebble’s powerful and intense post Covid set The Effect, an examination of both relationships, psychiatry, depression and drug trials.

All four actors in this intelligent and intimate production held their own. The two volunteers, Connie played by Tilly Harradine and Tristian played by Roberto Rowinski and supervising doctor Lorna played by Abbie Wright had a natural chemistry and vulnerability, with the smallest details like Connie’s knee trembling and their stripping off their clothes into an almost uniform of the unit adding to this. Their delivery of anxiety was believable and all of them went on natural journeys during the play that felt realistic. Roberto must also be praised for his natural ability to swear on stage and “All The Single Ladies” routine and along with Tilly their stage wrestling.

The fourth member of the cast was Jamie Egan, whose lecture direct to audience made me believe he has a successful career in university lecturing ahead of him. He is not likeable but does not force this in a stereotypical or exaggerated way and is sadly the image many people have of ambitious middle-class male doctors, and he successfully delivered a performance beyond his years.

I must praise director Emilia Lodge and assistant director Amaara Qureshi for getting the best out of the cast and making the production feel like something you would witness at the National Theatre. One of their most stand out directional scenes was the three-way scene between Lorna, Connie and Tristian where the volunteers separate interviews with Lorna are overlaid.

The basic set and use of black and white brings the clinical setting of the drug trial to life whilst the use of a screen to both set the setting as Post Covid and move the time period of the four-week trial along was effect. One of the most effective uses of the lighting design thanks to Sophie Layton was during the montage of an evening between Connie and Tristian at the end of first act.

SUTCo are getting stronger and more ambitious with their production choices, with the cast of this show destined for great things and holding their own against the likes of Billie Piper who performed the role of Connie in London.

This excellent production should not be missed by fans of contemporary drama, medical students and anyone who has ever considered taking part in a drug trial.