Show: It Must Be Love
Location: Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Monday February 14 2022
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 80 Minutes (incl. Interval)
Age Rating: 16+
Performers: Natasha Hale, Rebecca Casey, Sean Radford & Ethan Madds
Production Companies: Kai Theatre Productions & Pampas Plays
Writer: Paul Daley
Director: Kai Jolley
This is our theatre review for It Must Be Love at Liverpool‘s Hope Street Theatre. So, let’s take a look at It Must Be Love!
It Must Be Love
Synopsis Of It Must Be Love
Before the show begins, a cinema usher greets us. He asks if we want sweets as we take our seats. Meanwhile, old-school TV ads play on the projector screen. On the stage, we see several small rows of chairs awaiting other cinema guests for those actually in the show. So, we meet Shirley (Natasha Hale) and Phillip (Sean Radford). They’re a loving couple that is 18 months into their relationship. However, we quickly learn that they’ve yet to have sex. Shirley wants to wait until they’re married before they make love. In contrast, Phillip clearly wants their passion to become physical much sooner. Furthermore, this difference of opinion creates conflict between the two, despite their romance.
Matters aren’t helped when Shirley’s mum Pamela (Rebecca Casey) and current partner Joe (Ethan Madds) turn up. Not least because they’re the total opposite; they can’t keep their hands off one another. So much so that they start having sexual intercourse at the back of the cinema. So much for Love Story, the actual movie they’re watching that Shirley fantasises about. As the show goes on, the frequent discussions of sex greatly try Shirley’s patience. And after Phillip has some revelations, it’s no longer a case of “when” but “if” for the couple.
Analysis Of It Must Be Love
Partly due to the use of vintage adverts and music, there’s a nostalgic feel to this show. Phillip’s Beatles-esque haircut also influences this perception! But it very much feels like a 70s-style performance with double entendres and slapstick one-liners. There are some very funny moments throughout the night. Shirley catching Phillip out on some double standards is notable. As is the running gag about Phillip’s sexuality. But it’s the implication of sex between the older lovers that draws the biggest gasps. Meanwhile, the sight of Joe in just his leopard-skin boxer shorts is a sight for sore eyes!
Mind you, the show does raise some interesting issues. Namely, each partner should only take their relationship to the next level when both are comfortable doing so. Not forgetting the discussion about why the reputation of females having frequent sex differs from that for males. Still, the focus is clearly on hammy, occasionally outrageous comedy, and the show definitely achieves its goals in those areas. I will say that the intermission was unnecessary due to the show length. Therefore, a straight 60-minute show with no breaks may be best for future performances.
Summary Of It Must Be Love
With Valentine’s Day as the date, this was an appropriate (or should that be inappropriate?) show to see. And there is a lot to like about a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously such as this. For those who just want to sit back and laugh, It Must Be Love mixes romance, sex, and love. And the upshot is a humorous show that will have you talking.
Notes
Target Audience: Ages 16+
Content: Frequent Sexual Innuendo, Infrequent Strong Sex References, Infrequent Strong Language
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – Excellent
It Must Be Love Further Link
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