Final Two, currently playing at the Hayman Theatre, is an absurd comedy focused on the final two contestants in a Bachelor style reality show. Exploring queerness through the supernatural, Final Two, is an enticing, head-spinning (compliment), and hilarious dive into this fantastical world.
Mostly based in the rooms of a mansion villa, Shaz and Chloe bring the audience into a bizarre evening on the eve of the show’s finale. Shaz, played by Maia Whitelaw, is hysterical in her conviction, the intense romantic mania Maia brings to the role is completely enrapturing. Chloe, played by Phoebe Eames, is the perfect antithesis to Shaz. Phoebe plays a neurotic stoner who couldn’t care less about the competition and acts as a hilarious audience surrogate to the insane events of the rest of the show.
I’m going to speak about some other stellar performances but honestly, I would recommend seeing the show before reading further. The twists and turns of this show are best experienced personally.
Final Two by Arthur Brown. Photography by Midge Khinsoe.
Vanessa, played by Marquis Tajaran, is the summoned ghost of the first eliminated contestant of Final Two season one, now finished decades prior. Marquis brings a deliciously bawdy personality to life with such strong characteristics that you can even feel them when they are possessing other bodies. Jarrad Whitehurst and Zachary Borthwick are a brilliant duo, jumping in to fill the roles of host, the bachelor, and their kind of assistants/friends. They are both absolute joys on stage and do amazing work in bringing the energy and campy-ness out of the script.
As a whole the ensemble is outstanding, managing huge swings of character dynamics whilst keeping the stakes feeling real in and amongst the cartoonish qualities of the action.
Arthur Brown has served up a dynamic, deeply real and alive script, balancing intense themes of body dysmorphia, trans representation and liberation in the supernatural.
Final Two, is a unique take and understanding on trans identity, bringing together this bizarre setting into a purposeful and complex story on the queer experience.
Final Two is on at The Hayman Theatre from Thursday 13th November – Friday 28th November 7:00PM.