Park Theatre 2018
Produced by Elphin at Park Theatre
Written by Alan Bowne
Helmed by acclaimed director Robin Lefèvre, recipient of multiple international awards.
Elphin produced a powerful revival of Alan Bowne’s searing and provocative play Beirut at London’s Park Theatre—an uncompromising, emotionally charged production that garnered widespread critical acclaim.
About the Play
Set in a dystopian near-future New York, Beirut explores a world ravaged by a sexually transmitted virus, where those infected are forcibly quarantined. Torch (Robert Rees) is confined to a dark, squalid room in the Lower East Side—nicknamed “Beirut.” Isolated and forbidden contact with the outside world, he clings to survival in solitude.
But his lover, Blue (Louisa Connolly-Burnham), makes the perilous journey across the quarantine line to be with him. What follows is a fierce, tender, and volatile reunion—filled with desperate humour, sexual tension, and the aching desire for human connection. As Torch pleads with Blue to leave before he loses control, the play confronts us with a brutal question:
“I can live without sex and feel dead, or risk death and feel alive.”
The production received enthusiastic reviews across the board, with critics praising its raw power, chemistry, and relevance:
“Dark and sexy dystopian thriller… Beirut is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.” ★★★★½ — The Reviews Hub
“Rees and Connolly-Burnham are both thrilling and intense.” “Engaging and powerful ★★★★ — The Upcoming
“Emphatic and strident theatre, sharply directed by Robin Lefevre… Both actors, to put it simply, ‘go for it’.” ★★★★ — Boyz Magazine
“Provocative and sexually charged… an explosion happens that will take your breath away.” ★★★★ — Boyz Magazine
“Robert Rees and Louisa Connolly-Burnham have great chemistry.” — The Independent
“Robin Lefevre’s production is an intense rollercoaster that hits you with so many feelings. The direction is aggressive and the movements are highly physical. The pair literally throw each other about, and Rees and Connolly-Burnham both give 100% commitment throughout. Leaving nothing to the imagination, everything is laid out onto a plate for the audience to see. One thing’s for sure; this isn’t a conventional love story. But it’s one definitely not to miss”. ★★★★ — Broadway World
Team
Producer
Elphin Productions
Writer
Alan Bowne
Director
Robin Lefèvre
Cast
Louisa Connolly-Burnham
Robert Rees
Set Design
Liz Ascroft
Sound Design
John Leonard
Lighting Design
Leigh Porter
Casting Director
Emily Jones
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