Chemistry

Chemistry

Polymorph Theatre & Different Theatre

“What if we’ve lost something really fundamental?”

Chemistry is set in a future world in which people are no longer allowed to touch. Children are conceived through IVF, overseen by robot Fosterers.

To maintain human involvement in the reproductive process, prospective parents are required to meet so they can approve their genetic matching.

In one such pairing meeting, the sophisticated Bea and first-timer Jay try to navigate the process and their strong reactions to each other.

Chemistry explores reproductive politics, human attachment and the dangers of a technology-driven state. Created in 2020 for socially distanced performance, Chemistry plays out intensely and claustrophobically in real time.

Written by Sam Chittenden (winner of Best New Play at Brighton Fringe in 2019 and Outstanding Show in 2021 for Clean). Directed by Penny Gkritzapi (Polymorph Theatre; ProtaGonism Theatre). Starring Harriet Main (Cassie & Corey) and Rowland Stirling (Eastenders; Mating in Captivity).

Chemistry is a collaborative production between Different Theatre and Polymorph Theatre.

Audience feedback - "Loved it. Subtle and yet direct"; "Great concept handled with a light touch. Some beautiful moments of vulnerability"

Praise for previous productions:
“like an intimate performance of a National Theatre production” - Fringe Review for Sary
"real, raw, visceral stuff” - Sussex Playwrights for Clean
“outstanding in its simplicity and honesty” - Broadway Baby for So You Say
“oozing with thoughtful and resonant writing” - A Younger Theatre for Unquiet Slumbers