Synopsis

A suburban bedroom, dimly lit, the air thick with unspoken desires and frustrations

In Wanderlust, Nick Payne explores the complexities of intimacy and desire within a long-term marriage. Joy, a GP in her late forties, and her husband Stephen, a history teacher, struggle to reconnect physically and emotionally. As Joy embarks on a quest to reignite her libido and sexual satisfaction, their relationship is tested. Meanwhile, their teenage son Tim navigates his own sexual awakening with his girlfriend Michelle, while Joy’s patient Clare grapples with intimacy issues in her new relationship.

Payne’s insightful and often humorous dialogue delves into the intricacies of human sexuality, long-term relationships, and the gap between desire and fulfilment. The play’s structure, alternating between the various characters’ experiences, creates a nuanced exploration of intimacy across generations. Wanderlust challenges societal taboos around female sexuality and the expectations placed on long-term partnerships, offering a candid and compassionate look at the ways we seek connection and satisfaction in our most intimate relationships.