Photo: Johan Persson
As a young couple wait in a hospital room for the results of a 20-week pregnancy scan, they chat happily, the possibility of a wonderful future stretching in front of them. Baby names are discussed and discarded, dreams of happy family holidays shared. This picture-book future comes crashing down as the results of the scan send their world into torment. They have to make a decision that clashes with their upbringing and societal pressures. The decision feels like a no-win situation, only arising because of advances in medical science that check regularly on the development of the pregnancy in a way that wasn’t possible years ago. But they do choose, then have to live with the impact of what they have decided.
Luke Norris’s drama follows the couple from their initial joy to the depths of their despair as they navigate loss, grief and guilt, their relationship shattering as they both turn inward, unable to share their feelings, even with each other. They start to question their feelings for each other and whether they can endure a future together. This is a deeply moving and heartbreaking story, one that many couples have to deal with. Will tragedy rupture their relationship or make it stronger? Rosie Sheehy and Robert Aramayo as the unnamed couple bring totally credible emotional and devastating depth to their roles, giving exceptional performances as they go from banter through breakdown and eventually to a shared understanding. Lena Kaur rounds off the cast as the empathetic midwife who has to impart bad news to the couple.
Jeremy Herrin’s direction pushes the cast to their limits, drawing every ounce of emotion from the text. The set by Grace Smart moves from hospital rooms to the couple’s bedroom with the scene changes accomplished under blackouts and a discordant soundscape rather than curtains. It’s an effecting way of dealing with the logistics, forcing the audience to focus on the progression of the story.
The theme of this piece emphasises that people can survive anything, can get through any life event, however devastating. A simultaneously heartbreaking and inspirational experience.
Guess How Much I Love You? is at the Royal Court until 21st February. Tickets are on sale at: Home | Royal Court Theatre
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 22nd January 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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