The RSC's studio theatre The Other Place has now been running for 50 years. Known for its quirky and experimental theatre, it's unsurprising to find that The New Real is David Edgar's fourth play to debut here.

Opening to a montage of political footage played across twelve screens (six on either side of this traverse stage), The New Real instantly feels overwhelming.

It’s the early 2000s. Rachel, an American political strategist, travels to an unnamed eastern country to help win an election. When her ex-colleague Larry joins the opposing party things get intense. The two ex colleagues and once casual lovers become bitter rivals. Too bitter and vengeful to see past their own noses and realise the chaos they have caused around them. We then follow their political journey to the present day, including a Eurovision song contest and Barrack Obama's election.

Despite this impressive cast's best efforts, the first act moves slowly. It seems mostly concerned with establishing the chess pieces to make their moves in the second half. There isn't a great deal of tension, except for the unsettling feeling that Rachel isn't as in control as she thinks she is. The chemistry between Martina Laird’s (Rachel) and Lloyd Owen’s (Larry) is undeniable, but they have far too little stage time together before the interval. The first act ends when Larry reveals to Rachel that he is supporting the opposition after her unknowingly sharing key data. This scene could've happened much earlier on, and as soon as they are political opponents, the real plot begins. The second act is a fast paced political thrill ride. Both music and lighting is used well to create the anxiety felt as these elections persist. There's also some wonderful humour offered up, including a Eurovision Song Contest performance and somebody expressing what the Eurovision has to do with politics.

The use of screens throughout is imposing and effective, displaying political videos of the actors and of real political figures. They also represent stills of where the characters are, replacing big set changes with subtle but impactful images.

The New Real is a play that you cannot take your eyes off, not always because it's particularly enthralling but the subject matter itself is complex, thought provoking and full of political opinions and facts. Prepare to leave the theatre with a complexity of emotions, and pondering about what's fake and what's reality.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton

The New Real plays at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon until 2 November, with further info now.