A delightful romantic comedy,'It's Complicated', is about ‘love, the most unpopular of all our four letter words – except tofu’ and through the experiences of the lead character, Daniel, explores the benefits and failings of long distance relationships maintained by Skype and Facebook.
Performed in an intimate venue, the play had an air of honesty and freshness. The actors were likable and formed an easy connection with the audience.
Despite the engaging performances, at times the narrative was a little predictable; a lonely Brit, Daniel, played by writer/director Matt Lim, goes on a cruise and falls for an American, Jessie (Christabel Clark). They embark on a long distance relationship, but he later hooks up with a European tourist, Wilhemina (Sesselia Olafsdottir) once back in London. Suddenly the lonely Brit has not one, but two long distance girlfriends. Wilhemina (Willy for short – imagine the schoolyard humour that ensues), plans to visit, and of course Jessie turns up, unannounced, at the exact same time. The drama which unfolds got its laughs from the appreciative audience. The continual dialogue between Daniel and the voice of his Inner Monologue, Fergus Blair, was wonderfully amusing.
The production itself was a bit rough and ready; at times it felt like watching a rehearsal rather than a performance, with all of the actors occasionally stumbling over the odd line or two, which detracted from the comic possibilities of the script and the potential poignancy of the piece. However, the ensemble cast worked well together to create a truly enjoyable piece of theatre.
If you want to be challenged to think, then use 'It's Complicated' as a springboard for questioning how we treat our friends and loved ones, and the role of social media in our lives. Then again, if you just want an hour of entertainment, an easy story, and a bit of a laugh, you won’t be disappointed.