Just in case you need an extra dose of the Olympics, ‘The Prize’ is a collection of verbatim accounts from Olympian and Paralympian hopefuls and former competitors. The cast are good, giving a sense of the different athletes they are portraying, although the static nature of the direction doesn’t do them any favours and too often the play is bland and pointless. Ultimately, it feels as though the company is too beholden to the sporting elite for bestowing a few platitudes upon them to challenge or question the values they espouse. This is a shame, as some of the stories – particularly those of the Paralympians – provide insight into how sport can contribute to humanity without being all about ‘The Prize’.

Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-26 Aug (not 15), 2.50pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Andrew Bell]