SCOTT HOWLAND'S Grip begins with a warning of the unreliability of memory: “Remembering can be thought of as an act of creative reimagination,” we’re told.

It’s an ominous start, as the narrator-cum-devil-on-the-shoulder figure (Garry Hayden) menacingly informs us that Grip is a true story.

It centres on 25-year-old working-class Trev (Scott Howland), whose mother has recently died. He and his dad (Drew Paterson) are struggling to negotiate their sense of masculinity and find common ground.

But any attempts to connect often end in fiery rows which, though stirring, are difficult to watch.

Things only get worse for Trev when he meets Louise (Emily Brown) at a party, after which he’s accused of rape. Trev is interrogated by the police and the screen goes black as they take a genital swab to the sounds of his protestation and screams.

The whole procedure is presented as a truly torturous ordeal and doubtless it is unpleasant. But it is, unfortunately, necessary.  

To present a rape investigation in this way feels dangerous and absurd and Grip ends in an impassioned speech from Trev’s father which leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It’s filled with statements that make the blood boil: “Nowadays with rape, you’re essentially guilty until proven innocent,” he declares.

If that were true, why are prosecutions and convictions at the lowest level since records began? Why, out of 55,000 rapes reported in 2019-20, were there only 1,439 convictions?

It seems as if the piece moves into satire when he laments that “they have to investigate instantly and thoroughly, otherwise they get bollocked for not taking it seriously.”

Why on earth should it not be taken seriously, when Home Office figures suggest that just 4 per cent  of rape cases are found to stem from a false allegation?

Grip aims to present Trev through a “shattered kaleidoscope view,” including through the lens of his class and mental health, both of which can be empathised with and should of course be more widely discussed.

But what could be a moving and important piece from the Nothing to Perform company is sadly overshadowed by Grip’s dated and harmful views on rape accusations.

Available online until August 31 at readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/grip-in-360