I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

Malaka Chowdhury reviews

Malaka Chowdhury | Friday 4th August 2023 3:55pm

Rating: 5 out of 5 *****

When you read phrases like 'the second longest-running Off Broadway musical' on the programme, you know you're in for a good night of theatre, and I was right! 

Written by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts, love makes the world go round in this exuberant musical comedy about modern relationships of every kind. Originally performed in 1996, and nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award, the sharp observations of how we crazy people behave in the pursuit of love remain as fresh and relevant as ever for today's 'swipe-right' generation. I love this kind of show, because there's something for everyone, and the whole dance from attraction-date-couple and beyond is endlessly fascinating to me. But then I did grow up watching every rom-com ever made, what do you expect?!

Performed at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, the tiny square of performance space was utilised beautifully by the super-talented cast of four performers, playing all sorts of characters throughout the comedy (Aidan Cutler, Ollie Thomas-Smith, Megan Carole and Sophie Kandola). Four suitcases were stacked centre stage, opening with the actors standing in each corner, dressed like Darth Vader as they shared their take on love, before stripping their robes and each grabbing the baggage, labelled with things like 'divorce' and 'negative internal dialogue.' We then go on a hilarious relationship deep-dive of every sort of coupling, from wary internet couples meeting for the first time, to a couple talking about why things have not become 'physical' after four dates or so (she says 'is it me?', he says 'I was being respectful', aaawwww!).  I was surprised to see myself in certain scenarios, like receiving a dubious 'phone image' from a man, or the tussle over who pays the bill. I could have cheered when Megan Carole and Sophie Kandola declared In song that the man pays the bill on dates, and any woman who offers to split the bill ISN'T HAPPY ABOUT IT. Take note men, wooing a lady is the gentlemanly thing to do! Like the unwritten rules of women taking two hours to get ready, men paying shows the size of their heart, and it's these types of questions this show excelled at throwing at the audience. 

There was not one facet of love left unturned, accompanied by a spectacular score, delivered with power and humour by world-class musical actors. I particularly enjoyed 'Single Man Drought,' and 'A Stud and a Babe' with funny yet relatable lyrics. The small space created the perfect intimate atmosphere for such themes, and    the scene changeovers while the neon lights dimmed were both speedy and clever. Sitting in the front row is always thrilling, because I could see the raw emotions flitting across the actor's faces, in-between costumes and changing accents. The crackling chemistry between the cast imbued the scenes with an exciting immediacy, and a bittersweet awareness that relationships are not for the faint-hearted. They all take work, whether it's lesbian mommies trying to find time for intimacy or a couple cowering before parents dealing with their break-up. The 'smug-marrieds' had to be there. of course, secure in their knowledge of having found love and not caring about flaunting it in front of their disgusted friend, adjusting to the sudden change. Even widowers flirting at a funeral got a funny look-in, showing that our desire for connection doesn't dim with age; if anything, it reminds us of our humanity, even amid loss. 

The excellent direction of Karl  Steele ensured no vignette overstayed its welcome, sharing just enough before nimbly moving to the next scenario. Special mention to 'The Very First Dating Video of Rose Ritz,' an unexpected gut-punch of crushed pain by the wonderful Megan Carole. A woman abandoned, now resigned to taking wine tasting classes with other divorced women all trying to meet men. This was a genius move, because everyone was laughing and clapping, to be then confronted with a woman who had given her life to someone who had left her, bereft and alone. It was a riveting, moving moment and you could have heard a pin drop. A dose of real life, and a clever change of pace in this honest, faultless script. 

This was a quick-witted, fast-paced musical comedy alright, but it also made you ponder the finer points of love, whatever your current romantic situation. Yes, it's messy and complicated, but it's the ultimate equaliser for all of us. If you're looking for a fantastically funny night out that you can talk about for days, then book your tickets now, you won't regret it!

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change plays at The Old Joint Stock Theatre until Saturday 12th August 

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