romance

IN AND OUT OF LOVE | London, Hope Theatre

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Cockfosters (2023) was glorious fun at the Turbine Theatre, a venue which has sadly announced its premature closing after a difficult five years. But as one door closes, another opens, at the Hope Theatre in Highbury and Islington: In and Out of Love (2024), a new comedy two-hander, from the same writer-producer team of Tom Woffenden and Ana Emdin (plus designer Gareth Rowntree). It’s about a couple who go on holiday, after having broken up — with hilarious and disastrous consequences.

“It is funny, and it is a comedy,” explains director Saul Boyer, who also played the lead in Cockfosters during the 2024 run. “But I think what’s brilliant about the script is that it’s also unexpectedly moving. I’ve been enjoying rehearsals so much with this wonderful cast, because the couple’s relationship is so relatable.  It’s impossible not to see yourself reflected in their behaviour.  I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

In and Out of Love stars Olivia Bernstone (ITV’s Finding Alice; Channel 4’s Humans) and Robert Kot (Frost/Nixon; Richard III). The play is written by Tom Woffenden, directed by Saul Boyer, and produced by Ana Emdin. Set design is by Gareth Rowntree, with lighting design by Ben Sayers and music by Arthur Sawbridge.

Welcome to Venice. One of the most romantic cities in the world. Well, unless you’re Sam (Robert Kot) and Ingrid (Olivia Bernstone). After booking the trip months ago, the couple arrive for their holiday together. Except they’re not together; they’ve broken up — and they’ve gone anyway.  In and Out of Love follows the unpredictable, beautiful and complicated journey love takes us on, in good times and in bad, for better or worse, till death do us part.  It’s going to be a long weekend.

Playing at the Hope Theatre, 22 – 26 October, 2024.

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INTERVIEW: MIRIAM BATTYE | Edinburgh, Roundabout @ Summerhall

Interview

Manchester-based writer Miriam Battye (HBO’s Succession) explains the deeply personal origins of her latest work, Strategic Love Play (2023), running at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre.

– How would you describe Strategic Love Play (2023)?

It’s all one scene, one first date, two strangers who met on their phones. It’s highly unlikely that it will work out. But actually, if you stare at it, it’s very high stakes. It’s maybe the most romantic thing I’ve ever written.

– What inspired you to write this type of love story?

I wanted to work out why we all feel so hard done by in dating, and where on earth we get the wild idea it’s supposed to be gorgeous and easy. Why should it be? We’re all trying to package a gorgeous version of ourselves, and we’re also trying to not try – to present ambivalence.

– How do you feel dating has changed since the introduction of dating apps?

I think apps provided an incredibly effective solution to something that is genuinely painfully difficult. But I wonder if, maybe, it isn’t supposed to be painless. You’ve put your face in everyone’s phone and asked them to want you. And given them the brief idea that it’s totally their choice. You are totally available for their choosing.

– How is the cast?

We have the most gorgeous, top-tier cast. I worked with Letty Thomas on Scenes with girls (Royal Court, 2020), and I love what she does on stage: she is genuinely original, hilarious and stunningly powerful. And Archie Backhouse is a proper revelation.

– What are you most looking forward to, bringing this show to the Edinburgh Fringe?

I love the Fringe, I go every year as a punter. Throughout my career, I’ve done big TV shows, had my work ripped apart, got over it – but nothing is really more intimidating than the Fringe to me. It’s just a lot of people who care a lot about theatre. I want to astound people, reach out and grab their attention before they go on to the next thing.

Book to see Strategic Love Story at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre.

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PRIVATE LIVES | London, Ambassadors Theatre

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Noël Coward’s scintillating comic masterpiece Private Lives (1930) starring Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge heads to the West End this Autumn, for a strictly limited 12-week run. The acclaimed Theatre Royal Bath production by award-winning director Christopher Luscombe premiered in 2021, prior to a UK tour in 2022.

Private Lives will be the first production to be staged in the now fully refurbished Ambassadors Theatre, following ATG’s multi-million-pound investment to improve facilities, customer experience, and access. The access improvement works carried out provide an access lift for the first time, the potential for 6 wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet facilities, and improved audio access to support the hearing impaired.

One of the UK’s most popular actors, Nigel Havers has been a favourite with audiences for nearly four decades. His roles on screen have encompassed Downton Abbey and Coronation Street, Chariots of Fire and The Charmer. Stage roles range from Art to Rebecca, to The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre and becoming a mainstay of the annual pantomime at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

One of our best-loved actresses, Olivier Award-winning Patricia Hodge OBE has starred in Travels With My Aunt, Relative Values, Calendar Girls, His Dark Materials, Noises Off and A Little Night Music. Her recent television credits include A Very English Scandal, Downton Abbey and Miranda.

Playing at the Ambassadors Theatre 31 August – 25 November 2023.

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PICKLE | London, Park Theatre

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Two-word summary: it’s Jewish Fleabag. Yes, that world-dominating, award-winning sitcom started as one-hour, one-woman show, too. After captivating audiences during its sold-out performances in May, Pickle returns to the Park Theatre for a two-week run, in this cheeky and authentic exploration of what it means to be a young Jewish woman in London today.

Pickle is written and performed by Deli Segal, produced by Tanya Truman (Confessions of a Rabbi’s Daughter; Tier Three Sisters) and directed by Kayla Feldman (Swimming; Dear Peter), all female Jewish theatre-makers who strive to amplify Jewish voices on stage.

“Pickle is all about one woman’s experience of reconciling belief and tradition with change,” says Deli Segal, writer and performer. “I wanted to tell a story that explores being in the middle of both worlds: the parts that fit together, and the parts that don’t. The vibrancy, the spirit, the richness of culture, the humour of Jewish life – those things often get lost.”

Ari lives at home in North-West London, where her life is dominated by overbearing parents, tradition and expectations. However, her daily life includes her job, going out – and, inevitably, the dating scene. Pickle follows Ari as she tries to balance Friday night dinner with drinks at the pub, JSwipe with Hinge, being Jewish and secular. This uproarious simcha of a one-woman show explores a young Jewish woman’s psyche as she navigates her two contrasting worlds with irreverent humour and heart. Expect smoked salmon, guilt and a large dose of self-deprecation as Pickle brings Ari’s vibrant world to life.

Playing at the Park Theatre 14 – 26 November, 2022.

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