Edinburgh Fringe 2022: Changing the Sheets at Assembly Rooms

A man and a woman take the stage, speaking to each other but looking to the audience. The man compliments the woman’s room somewhat overzealously, gawking aloud at the presence of a lava lamp; the woman responds less enthusiastically. They have met on a dating app, where the intention of sex is clear – so how much conversation is necessary? Where do they draw the line between casual hookup and truly intimate encounter? Asking these questions and more, Changing the Sheets is an incredibly funny and sincere exploration into two individuals and the nature of their relationship in the modern age of dating. 

Changing the Sheets is made up primarily of sets of conversations between Patty, played by Máiréad Tyers, and Robert, played by Harry Butler. From their first hookup to their last, they learn about each other, becoming familiar not only with one another’s bodies, but also the other’s past experiences and world views. While Robert would like to “get to know” Patty (as evidenced by an ill-conceived plan to take her on a mini golf date), Patty is looking to avoid anything serious. Thus, as their relationship changes, each person’s desires and projections serve to warp the image they have of one another and themselves.  

Exploring both the awkwardness and tenderness of real-life intimacy in a world of online interaction, Tyers and Butler deliver amazing performances. They bounce off each another, managing to have palpable chemistry despite never looking at or touching one another throughout nearly the entire play. Under Anthony Biggs’s direction, the two characters’ mutual knowledge and ever-changing connection are reflected through their body language and the staging. The writing and the performance of their dialogue is superb: natural, authentic and hilarious without ever veering into overkill territory. 

It feels true-to-life, as their conversations are at times ridiculous and at times profound. This authentic effect is heightened by the simplicity of the stage design: with no props, music or complex lights to distract the audience, it is easy to forget that there is a performance going on. Rather, it feels more like looking in through a window at a real relationship (to whatever contested extent it can be called that).  

Full of both laugh-out-loud moments and more serious ones that spark further contemplation, Changing the Sheets is the perfect combination of riotous laughs and bittersweet musings. The characters are loveable and endearing, despite the many flaws that they share or hesitate to share with each other and the audience. Ultimately, what transpires between Patty and Robert is not a love story in the traditional sense. Rather, it speaks to the difficulty of being perceived by others. It is a testament to everyone trying to form lasting connections while never being able to fully understand other people or themselves. Overall though, despite these pensive themes, Changing the Sheets is plainly a really good laugh. 

Madison Sotos

Changing the Sheets is at Assembly Rooms from 25^th August until 28^th August 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.