Twinkling lights and Christmas tunes greet you as you weave your way through the theatre. Humming along to Feliz Navidad after posing for a photo op like you are debuting the red carpet, you finally get comfortable in your seat. Front row or humble rear seats, the site leaves you breathless:
Before wide-eyed and smiling patrons, the stage transports you into the heart of the iconic Christmas rom-com. Love or despise the characters, storylines and actors that make Love Actually a Christmas special, the contagious cheer and excitement elicited from the reminiscent depiction of the Christmas school concert is contagious. Christmas trees, tinsel, lights, presents and two doors that hold the keys to the exploration of notable characters and questionable notions of love ensures a night to remember.
Comprised of an ensemble of six talented actors that emulate the subtle mannerisms of the renowned actors of the film, it feels as if Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth, Chiwetel Ejiofor and the late Alan Rickman have materialised. William Kasper, Nicole Kaminski, Benjamin Hambley, Dylan Hodge, Stephanie Beza and Ashton Simpson launch the audience into a whirlwind of emotions – humour, surprise and happiness. If parody is a new venture for attendees, then Love Actually? The Musical Parody is the place to be. Clever and vulgarly quick-witted, the musical production takes flight in throwing subtle shade at actor’s for their notorious rom-com lineage and their not-so romantic antics, while featuring their more iconic roles in popular culture to enhance the absurdity of their character’s dilemmas.
The outrageous and belly-laugh-inducing antics continue throughout the musical production through catchy, original songs that act as a throwback to iconic music of the 2000s, as well as the not-so-subtle innuendo associated with the beloved characters and iconic moments. Although humour and jokes carry the show from start to finish, the parody production offers the audience a chance to reflect on the crucial question guiding the show – is this love, actually? While watching the characters fumble through unrequited and requited love, barriers in language and culture, or searching for ‘love’ abroad, the audience explores what love actually means – rather than accepting the definition presented by the film’s glamorous stars and flashing lights we were told to believe all those years ago.
Love Actually? The Musical Parody is bold, hilarious and is sure to make you leave the theatre with laughter trailing behind you. Regardless of your perceptions of the original film, the exploration of the staple Christmas movie is sure to make your thoughts and opinions of the storyline feel validated.
Think professing your love to your best friend’s wife through a cardboard montage is a tad creepy?
Maybe you are not the only one.
Should Emma Thompson have been granted justice after Joni Michell’s CD greeted her trembling grin, rather than a beautiful necklace she believed was her Christmas gift?
Perhaps you should attend to find out.
To book tickets to Love Actually? The Musical Parody, please visit https://loveactuallymusicalparody.com/.
