19:00, Tue 24th – Sat 28th November 2015 at Corpus Playroom
Michaelmas Week 7

“I can tell the difference between who I am and a side effect.”

Four people are involved in a failed drugs trial for RLU37, a new anti-depressant created by the international corporate giant, Rauschen Pharmaceuticals. Doctors Toby and Lorna battle with the meaning of depression and the limits of medical science, as they administer the trial in an explosive professional partnership. Tristan and Connie, volunteers on the trial, soon develop a violent love for each other. But they are cannot get past one burning question: is their love ‘real’ or is it induced by the dopamine coursing their veins? Does it matter?

The Effect is a funny, passionate and moving depiction of modern medical science, depression and love.

Winner of Best New Play, Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards 2012.

'This is a provocative and challenging play ... it ends in an edgy gesture of good sense that made me feel like cheering.' - The Independent

'The Effect is a headlong delve into the mysteries of the human brain. And Prebble pulls it off with assurance, tickling our cerebellums in the first half, before tugging on our heartstrings in the second ... heartbreaking ... it has a heart as well as a brain.' - Time Out