REVIEW: Thanks for Having Me at Riverside Studios 7 – 26 April 2025
‘Thanks for Having Me explores the stories we tell ourselves about our relationships and the reasons we pursue them.’ ★★★
The stage is set with a stylish modern day kitchen and lounge, reflecting a thirty something person, with a decent job, in the UK today. The vocal warmth of Amy Winehouse plays in the background. The lighting on stage shifts, the audience settles and the first scene begins.
Maya, played by Adeyinka Akinrinade and Honey, played by Kedar Williams-Stiring enter, playfully, with an obvious attraction to each other. The chemistry between the two actors takes a while to ignite and we begin to feel the connection between them in the second half of the play. Honey’s best friend Cashel, played by Keenan Kemper, gate crashes the evening bringing with him slapstick humour and an absurdist element to the play.
The dialogue is fast paced and funny at times. The friendship portrayed between the two best friends grows in warmth and authenticity as the story unfolds. However, the shifts in their perspectives, are not always believable and could leave you feeling a little short changed.
Eloise, played by Nell Tiger Free, the close friend of Maya, touches on some of the intricacies of female sexuality, although a little preachy, some very important issues are introduced.
Thanks for Having Me, explores the stories we tell ourselves about our relationships and the reasons we pursue them. The play uncovers some of these complexities and hints at others. Although this is a thirty something story the themes are relatable to those in their forties and beyond.
KB Productions presents:
REVIEW: Thanks for Having Me at Riverside Studios 7 – 26 April 2025
Written by Keelan Kember |
Directed by Monica Cox
Riverside Studios, Studio 2 MAIN HOUSE
7 –26 April
Cast
Eloise Nell Tiger Free
Honey Kedar Williams-Stirling
Cashel Keelan Kember
May Adeyinka Akinrinade
