Love Struck focuses on the story of an ordinary young girl, Claire, and how her life is turned upside down due to human trafficking. The production begins fairly lightheartedly, with Claire introducing herself by talking directly to the audience and even getting some of them to taste jam off a spoon. The lighter themes of growing up, first loves and childhood innocence dissolve into the darker issue of human trafficking making a very moving performance, full of emotion. The set consists of lots of different front doors, implying that the front of the stage is the street – complete with guitar playing busker – portraying the message that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors. As well as the main storyline of the trafficking of Claire, there are also subplots going on involving other residents in the street such as an aspiring actress forced into deciding between her career and standing up for her beliefs, and the struggles of a Polish immigrant working as a chef.
The acting ability throughout the production is outstanding and all of the actors clearly understand their characters and play their roles believably. The leads, Claire and Danny – portrayed by Sarah Morton and Simon Rodda, explore both sides of the story with contrasting viewpoints enabling the audience to empathise with both of the characters. Morton gives a particularly touching and emotional performance. As it is only a four person cast, all of the actors play at least two different characters, further exhibitiing their acting ability.
Saltmine Theatre Company's production of Love Struck really highlights the issue of human trafficking and how it can happen to anyone. This was indeed an unforgettable performance and an incredible piece of theatre.
