THEATRE REVIEW: I Love You Because
- Posted on October 1, 2007 10:14 AM
- 1 comment
The Landor Theatre is a tiny theatre above a Clapham pub. Although it resembled that of a sixth form drama studio, complete with black a black ceiling, floor and walls, it creaks with charm. The set, colourful and compact, lies sprawled across most of the room, leaving only a small space for a couple of rows of red and gold velvet chairs that look like they have been borrowed from a Jacobean banquet. The stage less venue results in producing an incredibly intimate performance of I Love You Because, sometimes being able to smell the actors aftershave and at other times nervously locating your drink by your chair, hoping that Daniel Boys isn’t going to take another step backward. Being this close is kind of like watching a scene unravel outside your window - but doesn’t leave you feeling embarrassed when someone catches you watching.
I Love You Because is a modern day musical love story. Daniel Boys, a former contestant on the BBC’s TV Any dream Will Do, takes the lead role as Austine Bennet. Austin Bennet is an uptight, greeting card writer who has to have control over everything in his life. He comes across as a polite, earnest character, who is innocent and naïve to love. After catching his long term girlfriend in bed with another man, his brother, Jeff (simple but lovable bachelor) persuades him to look out else where.
The general story lacks complication and is highly predictable, but, it still gives an audience exactly what they want - laughter and emotion. The script trudges through the down side to be single, the confusion and heart ache in looking for a companion but also emphasizes the warmth and comfort when finding a partner.
Austin’s rebound fling that turns out to be ‘the one’ is the ditzy Marcy (Jodie Jacobs), creative and defined by spontaneity, the total opposite to Austin. Jodie Jacobs plays the character as sweet and harmless. She dresses in bright pinks and red, sporting golden blonde hair that gleams under the starkly lit set. Her soft yet vibrant appearance accentuates Marcy’s artistic side and also her passionate side that is not afraid of her emotions. She contrasts dramatically to her best friend Diana who is cool, laid back and slightly cynical to romance. Diana is always dressed in varying shades of startling blue and meandering around the stage in spiky heels whilst dolling out romance advice to Marcy.
At times, the play leans towards an obvious Sex and The City vibe with Marcy playing Carrie and Diana playing the hardened, empowered Samantha. Some of the best moments came from the two actors that played a waiter and waitress that adapted to most scenes. They were less flowery than the other characters, slapping the audience with sarcasm and a hardened New York City attitude.
More than anything, ILYB is a comedy that reaches out to anyone that has ever been in love, is looking for love or has had trouble in finding love – so basically, everyone got a laugh at some point. The audience was not afraid to let out an uncontrolled hoot of appreciation either, something which was refreshing in such a small venue.
ILYB was funny, innocent and light hearted. It was crammed with catchy songs and witty remarks that leaked into the audience and lingered in the air. The set crawled in colour, and managed to create over five different places. The live band in the top right hand corner was precise and enthusiastic, creating a play that everyone could find a place of affection for.
- Zarina Raja
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Comments (1)
stacey
An excellent play, I highly recommend it to those who have lost hope of ever finding "the one" A heart felt comedy with a suprising amount of musical theatre thrown in.
Great Review Ms Raja!
Posted on October 2, 2007 2:35 PM
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