After their successful run in Wolverhampton, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre decided to bring one of the longest-running off-Broadway revues, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, to the Fringe. This absolutely hilarious and heartwarming musical is here to show everyone what musical theatre is all about.
This performance is a must-watch at the Fringe
The theatre's setup is perfect for this production. The thrust stage made it easy for us to relate intimately to the stories being told, provoking thoughts about the challenges of modern dating. The performers skillfully utilised the stage layout to their advantage, making this production a must-see.
This show comprises different sketches, all centred around the same theme, assembled to create a musical. While this format is challenging for the performers, they absolutely smash it out of the park. They employ mini costume changes to help distinguish the characters, which complements their facial expressions and accent changes, showcasing a range of personalities.
It’s clear that director Karl Steele, alongside the performers, worked tirelessly to bring Joe DiPietro’s book to life. Although this production first premiered in 1996, the musical managed to remains relatable in one way or another to every audience member.
The music, composed by Jimmy Roberts, is both catchy and memorable. Paired with Steele’s lyrics, it becomes a true spectacle. We all left theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall humming and singing tunes from the show. One of my favourite numbers was the title song, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which was brilliantly performed by the cast.
The four sensational performers are all equally talented. Sarah Pearson’s facial expressions had me smiling from ear to ear throughout the hour and ten minutes. Megan Carole’s vocals are stunning and spine-chilling. Sam Willison and Bradley Walwyn were truly exceptional, especially during their duet Why? ‘Cause I’m A Guy. They delivered an entertaining, hilarious, and jaw-dropping performance.
I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for a fun afternoon at the theatre. This performance is a must-watch at the Fringe, and I will definitely be going back to see it again.
