Kieran Hurley's play "Adults" brilliantly highlights an intergenerational clash, fostering empathy between boomers (1945-1964) and millennials (1981-1996) in the audience. The story kicks off amusingly as a strawberry milkshake splatters on Iain (Conleth Hill), who's early at Zara's (Dani Heron) flat. Zara, a sex worker, runs her ethical business from home.
In his 60s, Iain, married with grown daughters, is out of his element, set to meet Zara's partner, Jay (Anders Hayward), for sex. Zara recognizes Iain as her former teacher, sparking the character dynamics. Over the next 80 minutes, Zara, Iain, and Jay engage across generations, arguing, blackmailing, and eventually connecting.
The boomer-millennial conflict, fueled by differing perspectives, plays out. Disappointment and resentment arise during Zara and Iain's confrontation in her makeshift brothel. Zara, a literature graduate turned sex worker, resents Iain's generation for secure careers, while Iain envies the younger generation's freedom.
Their debate covers millennial precarity versus boomer affluence, marked by Zara's critique of Iain's nostalgia. Jay's arrival with his daughter escalates the situation. Zara's ethical stance crumbles as Jay reveals financial struggles for custody. Jay's seduction of Iain for money adds complexity.