Read our review of Beginning which is playing at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

It’s the end of the night after a party and two people are left to do the clearing up and put the world to rights at the same time.

Laura and Danny are two very different people, thrown together after everyone else has left a flat-warming.

The two strangers, from very different backgrounds, discuss all that life has thrown at them, while tidying away the bottles and glasses, eating fish-finger butties, with a bit of dancing to Bros thrown in.

Beginning - a two-hander play at Manchester’s Royal Exchange - is performed in real time by the magnificent acting skills of Erin Shanagher and Gerard Kearns. 

It is a bold production, running for an hour and 50 minutes with no break - but this was probably a blessing as you just didn’t want the drama to stop.

The audience, in the intimate surrounds of the Exchange, become part of the action as we feel like we too are sat in Laura’s kitchen, peeping in as the couple reveal their innermost thoughts.

There is no hiding place for the two fast-approaching middle-aged duo as they challenge each other, trying to suss the other one out and what makes them tick.

There is an attraction there, but just how far will they take it?

Gerard Kearns (Danny) and Erin Shanagher (Laura). Image credit: Helen Murray

Erin plays sassy Laura who seemingly has everything - a highly paid job, a flat in Didsbury, independence - what more could she want?

While likely lad Danny is a man scarred by his past relationship and has resorted to living back home with his mum and his nan.

The interaction between the two actors is powerful and intense, and they have a great chemistry. 

They bounce off each other naturally and at no time is the drama stilted or forced.

Beginning is also very funny, with many laugh out loud moments.

It is set around a simple, yet modern kitchen island, complete with fridge, sink, soft sofas and mood lighting - what you would expect to see in a high-end city apartment.

Beginning is being performed at the Royal Exchange Theatre until Saturday 11 March.