Written by Dave Harris and produced by Matthew Xia, Tender offers a hilarious, sensual experience that delves into masculinity, pleasure and relationships.
Set in a strip club, the scene opens with the appearance of the dancing bears, played by Dex Lee (Geoff), Darren Bennett (Donnie) and Kwami Odoom (Trae). Straight away, the playfulness of their relationships is understood through the use of colloquial language and teasing.
As they pace across the set designed by Ultz and lit by Ciarán Cunningham, with choreography by Shelley Maxwell, it becomes clear what initially attracts their audience to them, as their dances are raunchy and steamy.
An interactive show, the dancing bears storm off the stage to engage with members of the audience, elevating the strip club experience. Money props are handed out prior to the show and thrown during the performance to praise the spectacular performers.
Bad news for the bears: a similar club superior to theirs opens next door, poaching all their clients. Soon after, Bea (Jessie Mei Li), the owner’s daughter, arrives at the club in hopes of revitalising it.
The dynamic between Bea and the bears is tense, as she’s met with restraint, as they’re reluctant to polish their act. Sass flows from each character’s mouth, prompting “oohs” and “ouches” from the audience at times.
The exploration of masculinity and pleasure is boldly executed as it raises questions. Are men overwhelmed by the pressure of performing during sex to the point that they are not enjoying it?
Dave Harris’s writing is compelling as it starts conversations but sustains them beyond the performance. Combined with Matthew Xia’s terrific direction, the stage feels electric.
At its core, the play answers why the characters act the way they do in their relationships, whether with their parents, partners or each other, aligning with its themes. Jessie Mei Li’s portrayal of Bea’s strained relationship with her mother keeps the audience still, as her pain can be felt across the room.
Dex Lee, Darren Bennett and Kwami Odoom all add value to their characters, whether through comedic timing, heartfelt dialogue or dynamic dancing. Once again, involving members of the audience is a nice touch that leaves a remarkable trace in the room. Bursts of uncontrollable laughter and cheers often flood the room, as each act is more exciting than the previous one.
As the final scene comes, it is spectacular to see the turnaround from the quartet and the progress they make respectively, demonstrating that they can combat their inner demons, learn how to be vulnerable and face intimacy.
The play presents something new to the theatre world. It is raunchy, steamy but nonetheless hilarious. Certain scenes rewire my brain and I leave wanting more. What happens next for the club?
Tender is running at Soho Theatre until 6 June. Get tickets here.
by Jamine Kamgate
