Jamael Westman and Marisha Wallace in Table 17 [Steve Gregson]

FOLLOWING sold-out runs in New York and LA, Douglas Lyons’s whip-smart American romcom Table 17 comes to London. The premise is simple – two exes, Jada (Marisha Wallace) and Dallas (Jamael Westman) meet for dinner to rehash old ground – but the writing is surprisingly textured, hinting at the possibility of second chances.

She’s a flight attendant, working long hours, he’s trying to break into music production, ditto the hours. We learn of their camaraderie, the engagement, then the niggles and gradual pulling apart until a betrayal shatters their bond.

Set with cabaret tables at the front, Zhailon Levingston’s lively production encourages participation and the wonderfully diverse audience oblige – vocal in their reactions and advice for everyone on stage. It adds to the immersive quality of the evening.

The two leads are pitch-perfect – Wallace’s nervy flamboyance works well with Westman’s nerdy cool.

They’re admirably unruffled amid the audience dissension and shouts of approval.

But this is not a two-hander. Michael Rishawn (reprising his original roles) shows off his acting chops as both deliciously acid waiter River and Jada’s smooth-talking fellow flight attendant Eric who carries a candle for her.

Some may consider it light fare, but Lyons’s characters are beautifully rounded, playing with our expectations, engaging our sympathies before we switch allegiance, and they keep us guessing throughout the play’s 90 minutes.

Amy Jane Cook’s effective set serves as both bar and dining booth, and her costumes are spot on, while Matt Haskins’ lighting effortlessly conjures restaurant, club and airline cabin.

A fun night out.

Until October 24
KilnTheatre.com