The Apology - Factory Theatre - Next Stage Festival - The Review

I have seen very positive reviews for this play, coupled with the nudity warning, ensured another sell out today.
This play likes to think it's trying hard, but the cracks show through, and ultimately it leaves you feeling unsatisfied.
The story centers around Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, and three friends who form a polyamourous, pan-sexual group. An interesting story in itself, but here it's presented like the movie Cruel Intentions.
One gets the impression the author was so focused on telling this high minded story she forgot to include things like likable characters. The male lead, Shelley, is so dynamic the other three fall for him and form this bond, but we don't see evidence of this magnetism, just a lot of pouty people in their early 20's bemoaning the state of the universe.
Similarly in the staging, the inclusion of an instrumental version of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance is perfect as a modern update with a late 1800's feel, and very relevant to the story. But the costumes, hoodies and button-fly jeans, just present that the actors were too lazy to wear anything else than what they had on that day. There is no nod to the time period when the play is set which can feel confusing. Also the actors in their designer underwear just present as people who had to be seen in their underwear and wanted to look good, it has nothing to do with the show. It's just another way the actors, like the play itself, refuse to look beneath the surface.