Tits & Blood

In the past, American playwright Neil LaBute has chosen some rather ambiguous titles for his often controversial plays.

The likes of Bash and In The Company of Men give the uninitiated theatre-goer few clues about subject matter... and perhaps these works pack all the more punch as a result.

His latest offering is called Tits and Blood. 'Have fun at the box office!' LaBute seems to be saying. The Generals Players of Washington and Lee University Theater have certainly gone to town on their publicity material, and rightly so, but don't expect to see nubile young students stripping off or dripping corn syrup across the stage.

'A little dramatic mindfuck' is how LaBute describes Liars Club, the second of two short playlets, which takes the form of a mixed-up game of truths. Four performers relate shocking tales and invite the audience to decide which one is fiction. It doesn't really go anywhere, but the journey is like a ride on the waltzers (complete with the nausea).

The description applies equally well to I Really, Really Like You, in which a dangerously charming young man meets a girl he's been wooing over the internet. Jonny Sturtz is outstanding as the J.Crew-wearing seducer - think Patrick Bateman: The College Years.

LaBute is having fun here; playing with form and inviting the actor to goad us into becoming his accomplices. You might think you know what's going on, but sure enough, by the end you won't be 100% sure. A great choice for an amibitious university theatre company, but don't expect to see Tits & Blood far beyond the Fringe.