Fringe review: LOVE IS…, Bedlam Theatre

Love Is... takes a bold and creative approach to deconstructing the rom-com genre, offering a quirky and experimental take on love in 2024. The show is driven by a clever concept: two characters create their own version of a rom-com, with much of the action unfolding on a bare stage through a projector screen. The use of famous rom-com lines as a backdrop adds a fun juxtaposition to the unconventional narrative, while the sci-fi and queer elements bring fresh, unexpected twists to the genre.

The world-building is intriguing, especially the idea of online workers having their pay deducted for every swear word—a humorous and thought-provoking detail that adds to the show’s charm. There are genuinely funny moments, and the cast, led by Hannah Roze Lewis and Maayan Amiran, deliver engaging performances.

However, while Love Is... successfully mocks rom-com tropes, it sometimes falls short in delivering a deeper, more compelling arc. The motivations of the characters can feel unclear at times, and the pacing occasionally drags, leaving the audience wanting more momentum. The potential is definitely there, but the execution could benefit from tightening up the narrative and exploring the characters’ depths more consistently.

Overall, Love Is... is a fascinating and original experiment that, while imperfect, offers a fresh perspective on the rom-com genre. There’s a lot of potential in the concept, even if the show doesn’t quite hit all the marks.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O

Love Is… plays at Bedlam Theatre until 18 Aug, with further info here.