Anna Burnside reviews ‘a flawed, if promising, first attempt’.
What happens when a hook-up with an ex becomes a business opportunity? That’s the premise of Paldem, the much-anticipated writing debut from Rye Lane star David Jonsson, exploring the implications of turning a situationship into an Only Fans account.
There’s a strict no photography policy in this show, enforced with a sticker over everyone’s phone camera. This feels more like a stunt than a security precaution - there’s no nudity and much, much racier material freely available with a couple of swipes.
But sex is certainly one of the things this show touches on. The problem is that none of the potentially juicy themes are fully realised. Monetising your relationship on the internet is a great subject. Rekindling a mixed-race student romance once you are a little older and wiser is also rich in possibilities.
Sadly, the characters are not developed enough to give either plotline room to breathe.
Abrasive Megan, played by Natasha Cowley, gets excellent lines: Jonsson has observed the women in his peer group to great effect. But there are too many plots swooping in and out. Another couple swings by to spice up their content. And then some bloke that is mentioned in the first few minutes turns out to be Megan’s main squeeze. The ending is rushed.
In a late-night slot, Paldem works as a frisson-filled entertainment. But poked with a stick in the sober light of day and it is a flawed, if promising, first attempt.
Paldem performs at Summerhall (TechCube 0) at 21: 00 until August 25, 2025 not the 12th or 19th).
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