A show that lovingly skewers all your problematic rom-com faves from the nineties and early noughties, GOYA Theatre Company’s Actually, Love (2023) is a non-binary two-hander with music (Sam Woof, Livi van Warmelo) that hits all the right notes.
The show opens with a witty musical whinge about the state of commercial love songs, performed by the show’s writer Sam Woof. Sarcastic and charming, it perfectly showcases the tone and self awareness of the piece. Soon, we are thrust into the romantically-charged back-and-both of two characters who clearly used to mean a lot to each other – but how much, and why? As the story unfolds and the relationship between Alex (Sam Woof) and Stevie (Jordan Broatch) comes into focus, we are taken on a satirical journey to the heart of rom-com land, where mothers are vilified, women are infantalised, and, yes, people run through airports.
There’s a glorious takedown of the “GBF” (gay best friend) trope, in which Broatch comes alive and showcases their sass. But overall the show is stolen by Woof, who delivers a hugely enjoyable, charming and vivacious turn as a pop star on the brink of success who can’t seem to quite get a handle on things.
It’s not all about lampooning the tired clichés of yesteryear, though; underneath the hilarity and cultural references is a story of identity and connection, and just what it means to pretend to be someone you’re not.
Playing 3:45pm daily at Pleasance Courtyard, The Green 2 – 27 August 2023.
The Prickle 