Review: EPIC LOVE & POP SONGS, New Wimbledon Theatre

Epic Love and Pop Songs, written by Phoebe Éclair-Powell, is a charming two-person story that centres on themes of friendship, love and honesty.

The concept for this performance is truly beautiful and audiences have a smile on their face for most of the performance; they are lively and seem intrigued by the story they were about to witness.

The story is told primarily by Doll and Ted using direct address towards the audience, with the occasional interruption to hear them sing some of the best love songs. The plot revolves around the headstrong and charismatic Doll (played by the energetic Georgie Halford) who is eager to be noticed by anyone and everyone and turns to lying to achieve her goal. Her best friend Ted (played by Roel Fox), who can sometimes be downgraded to a sidekick, believes the lie that Doll has told and is willing to help her, until one night her secret is revealed and he begins to question her morals. 

The style is that of two friends, almost in a game of dress up, as they tell us their story. The choice of pop songs for this performance (ranging from Beyoncé to Mika) are brilliant choices and really move the story along as well as adding perfectly timed comedic moments. With only one backing track, the remainder of the songs are played by the incredibly talented Roel Fox using a guitar, a ukulele and a keyboard. The authentic awkwardness of their friendship makes us nostalgic for the friendships we all had at 16, and the dynamic between the two is both charming and heart-breaking.

However, there are aspects of both the plot and the themes that become questionable at times. We learn early on that Doll may-or-may-not be pregnant and when we learn the truth, it becomes difficult to relate to her at all. There are several sub plots that do not entirely fit - we learn of Ted’s difficult past, Doll’s overbearing mother and absent father, the new man in Doll’s life etc. There is a lot of extra material that does not tie everything up. But the outstanding question is that the reason for Doll’s lie and Ted’s actions at the end are still ambiguous and confusing. It is a soap-opera of a plot line!

Despite this confusion, one thing stands out - the loneliness they both feel and the need they both have for one another. Both characters have lost something and someone. Doll has lost a stable male figure in her life (although she does not openly admit) and she desires to be noticed by everyone. Ted has lost his sister and his mother, resulting in losing someone to look after. This adds a certain level of humanity to the characters, almost making us forget about the lies they tell. 

Because they are playing sixteen year olds, this makes sense. They make mistakes and in the end, it cost them the biggest price - each other. They become strangers to one another and when they reunite eight years later, they say nothing to one another.

Lying comes at a cost and the story of Doll and Ted solidifies this idea. This was an enjoyable performance that I encourage you all to witness, Besties. 

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Megan Webb

Epic Love & Pop Songs plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday 23 October. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.