Olivia Lindsay stars in the UK premiere of Mark O’Halloran’s award-winning play Conversations After Sex at London’s Park Theatre this spring. Olivia stars alongside Julian Moore-Cook and Jo Herbert as this sharp and poignant three-hander explores intimacy, grief, and unexpected connections through a series of anonymous encounters.
Directed by Jess Edwards, the production promises a raw yet witty portrayal of human vulnerability and the complexities of sex with strangers, making its London debut after winning Best New Play at the Irish Times Awards in 2022.
Conversations After Sex runs from 30 April to 17 June. Tickets are available now via the Park Theatre website.
You’re bringing Conversations After Sex to Park Theatre—what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a play that unpacks those moments we rarely talk about—after the heat of the moment, when everything’s raw and vulnerable. Conversations After Sex is about more than just intimacy; it’s about the connections we crave when we’re broken, lonely, and searching for something to fill the spaces left by loss. It’s funny, it’s messy, and it’s deeply human.
How has working with Julian Moore-Cook and Jo Herbert shaped the dynamic of this three-hander production?
Julian and Jo bring incredible energy and depth to this production. We’ve developed a tight, intuitive bond, which is so important for a piece like this, where the emotional landscape is shifting constantly. There’s a beautiful give-and-take between us that keeps the performance fresh every night.
What drew you to Mark O’Halloran’s play, and why did you feel it was important for Ye You Productions to debut with this piece?
Mark O’Halloran’s writing is unapologetically raw and deeply honest. He’s not afraid to confront complex emotions and uncomfortable truths, which immediately resonated with me. Conversations After Sex isn’t just a play; it’s a conversation we often avoid, but one that’s essential for us to have. For Ye You Productions, it felt like the perfect debut because it challenges both the actors and the audience to dive into uncharted emotional waters. It’s a piece that doesn’t allow you to sit on the sidelines—it demands your attention, your empathy, and ultimately, your reflection. It’s also very funny. Which is essential.
The play explores themes of grief, loneliness, and intimacy through encounters with strangers. How do you approach portraying such raw emotional territory on stage?
It’s all about being present and allowing yourself to feel what the character is feeling. Grief, loneliness, and intimacy are universal experiences, so I just try to stay grounded in those emotions. It’s not about performance—it’s about truth. And with a play like this, that truth is messy, but that’s what makes it so relatable and powerful.
What can audiences expect from the post-show Q&A events featuring Rhea Norwood and Jordan Stephens, and how do they complement the play’s themes?
They can expect fun and thought-provoking conversations. Rhea and Jordan bring such unique perspectives on themes like connection, vulnerability, and mental health—topics that are at the heart of the play. These discussions will give the audience a chance to dive deeper into the ideas that Conversations After Sex touches on and offer some surprising insights about their own lives and careers.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Conversations After Sex?
If you’re looking for a play that’s real, sexy, raw and unafraid to go to the uncomfortable places, then this is for you. It’ll make you laugh; it’ll make you think, and it might just make you rethink your next encounter… or not.
