Does practising SEX make Perfect?

“I don’t know how to strangle you during sex, can you teach me?”

Theodore to ChiChi

Miray Beşli and Chandler Stephenson (Photo: Joel Hackett)

The entrance door is closed. Suddenly, it opens. A man and a woman enter, locked in an intense, sexualised kiss. They are both eager for sex. The stage is set simply: a flat with a double bed (unmade), a bedside table with a Lego-like toy on it, and a chair. Nothing more.

The ritual of pre-intercourse cleaning begins—tidying the room and themselves. When the woman returns from the bathroom, she catches the man masturbating in preparation. He denies it.

We are in New York. The man, Theodore (Chandler Stephenson), has brought the woman, ChiChi (Miray Beşli), back to his apartment for a one-night stand. Their first attempt is clumsy and disappointing. She, a striking foreign beauty, is the dominant one who enjoys being strangled. He, by contrast, can only be described as “vanilla” in his performance.

Miray Beşli and Chandler Stephenson (Photo: Joel Hackett)

Afterwards, in the small talk that follows, little is revealed. She is a free spirit who wants to leave and see friends. He, however, is eager to redeem himself and improve his performance. They try again. Clever direction places them on opposite sides of the stage, each acting separately while facing the audience. The sex improves, and the desire to part weakens. They begin to share their fantasies—hers involving bondage, his hidden beneath restraint until he finally reveals his darker desires.

The actors are from NYC Team, and the production is planned to tour across America starting in October.

This is a well-executed two-hander play directed by Jee Duman. It carries the audience along, blending moments of awkwardness with humour. At just an hour long, it offers engaging entertainment and is certainly worth considering.

Miray Beşli and Chandler Stephenson (Photo: Joel Hackett)
Miray Beşli and Chandler Stephenson (Photo: Joel Hackett)

Production Notes

HARDLove

Written by Anıl Can Beydilli

Adapted by Esin İleri and Miray Beşli

Directed by Jee Duman

Cast

Starring:

Miray Beşli 

Chandler Stephenson

Creatives

Director:  Jee Duman

Producers:

Aylin Çobanoğlu and Ayça Demirağ

Rue De Pera Films and Sonder Project

Information

Running Time: 60 minutes

Booking to 16th August 2025  at 8.45pm

Theatre:  

Lime Studio

Greenside @ George Street

22-24 George St

Edinburgh EH2 2PQ

Box Office: 01635 46044

Reviewed by Malcolm Beckett

at Lime Studio,

Greenside@George Street

on !3th August at 8.45pm