A quick glance at The Mask Policy’s marketing will reveal the source material’s intimate relationship with the adult industry. And indeed, the show starts strong with a hilarious presentation about average viewing durations by age groups and other such trends, delivered by an unperturbed Jade (Vero April Zhou), a recent musical theatre producing graduate who fell upon the adult industry.

However, the narrative lost its footing when Jade’s Boss comes to visit (Yan Wu) and her new, incompetent colleague Crystal (Elizabeth Bell) offers to take him on a tour of London, despite Jade’s protests. This sets the stage for what the show is actually about - a toxic office culture that rewards putting up a performance (Crystal), but not hard work (Jade). Hence the title - The Mask Policy.

Keen observations about British culture and the adult industry provided much needed levity in this 90-minute production, but in the end muddied the plot rather than served it. The way showbiz encourages toxicity in the workplace is hinted at but never fully explored. As such, the aubergine jokes felt like a fun side note, but not an integral part of this story. It might help drive the story to investigate what is at stake for Jade and Crystal.

The story did not recover its clarity until the end where Jade considers putting up a front at work, but ultimately decides against it. How compromising one’s integrity and putting on a mask would have protected Jade more than leaving a paper trail also remains to be debated.

Nevertheless, details in the script shows writer Tianjiao Tan’s first hand knowledge of adult industry workflows. Also ringing true is the intricate depiction of corporate betrayal.

Yi Tang’s direction brings dynamism to a strong ensemble. Vero April Zhou delivers a detailed and embodied performance as Jade, holding the entire show together. Elizabeth Bell plays a compelling villain with precision. Christie Peto has impeccable comic timing as the ‘always fair, never useful’ HR. Jonas Feind is endearing as Adrien, Jade’s only office ally. Yan Wu brings gravitas to the mysterious Boss.

This is a funny, sincere play with much potential. With some tweaking, it could be an incisive commentary on our workplace culture.