REVIEW: A Preoccupation with Romantic Love at Canal Café Theatre 1 & 2 Aug (Hen & Chickens Theatre 16 – 17 Aug)

‘A brave and tender baring of the soul’ ★★★

Laura Thurlow's assertion that, romantically speaking, nobody would kick a door down to get to her, but that rather people have wandered in when it's been left ajar, is a perfect example of the kind of raw and touching humour you'll find in ‘A Preoccupation with Romantic Love’.

Through a series of six voicemails from past lovers, Thurlow takes us on a journey through her life and soul. What we hear is kind of like an anti-fairytale, because her belief in true love is sincere, but the realities and hardships of life are laid bare.

The monologue piece is an interesting blend of autobiography, stand-up, and drama, though the overall effect leaves you at times slightly disorientated, a little unsure if what you're watching is supposed to feel off-the-cuff or performed. Some of this tension would be relieved by a little more confidence in the performance, but it still made for an entertaining watch.

Though on this occasion it got off to a shaky start, Laura Thurlow is an extremely likeable and charming performer. Some of the comic timing may benefit from a little polish, but often the lines are smart and funny. Here is clearly a very talented writer and it says something that despite minimal production the audience's attention was held throughout. That would indicate to me that the pacing is very good, even if there is actually very little tonal variation in the piece.

The monologue has a nice tight structure, simple and well-done, but you may find it lacking in narrative drive or arc, not quite delivering on a final payoff, though the dénouement is certainly moving. However, the real strength here is Thurlow's words, individual episodes of which do pack a punch, and some of them are indeed beautiful, easily drawing a slight lump in the throat.

Overall, A Preoccupation With Romantic Love may benefit from a little more direction, but ultimately this is a brave and tender baring of the soul that does leave you feeling just a little lovesick.

A Preoccupation with Romantic Love by Laura Thurlow

The Queer Comedy Club, 31 July

Canal Café Theatre, 1 Aug – 2 Aug

Hen & Chickens Theatre, 16 Aug – 17 Aug

Box Office: https://camdenfringe.com/events/a-preoccupation-with-romantic-love/

Reviewed by Alix Owen