Breaking

Southampton University Students Union Theatre Group,

The setting of this new play by Kaustubh Sameer - has been established by a series of posts and video clips which show a world in the grip of a terrible conflict, as a result of which male and female prisoners of war are confined by a fearsome Guard (Alex Crooks makes a silent but intimidating debut) and must strive to overcome despair and hold onto hopes of escape or survival, even if that means betraying and undermining each other.

The situation suggests an existential piquancy, but can also seem comic bookish and overblown. The characters include manic, seemingly hysteric Jace (Samuel Rowley), Ben (Joshua Harris), who maintains a properly military bearing and beautiful, doomed Bella (Janina Vabo).

There are more debuts from Ellen Fleming and Emma Pauli as quietly determined Ivy and the deteriorating Anne, with Olivia Krauze and James Chambers as separated lovers.

Ham Quentin