I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – London Coliseum (Online)

Recorded during one of the toughest times for the theatre community, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the perfect tonic we need in these tough times. Filmed on the stage at the London Coliseum and brought to us by Lambert Jackson Productions, the cast of four, Brenda Edwards, Alice Fearn, Simon Lipkin and Oliver Tompsett bring this hilarious and poignant show to our screen. It follows the highs and lows of first dates, loves, marriage, babies, in-laws and growing old together. Lipkin was brought in last minute due to the sad indisposition of Trevor Dion Nicholas. Lipkin has played the role before, rehearsed into the show for the afternoon and then immediately began filming.

The show opens taking us through the beautiful interior of the theatre with eerie vocalisations and voice over talking about love and Man (and Woman) before leading us to the stage and the introduction of the cast. The story is fast paced and takes us through numerous characters and situations from getting ready to going on their date, dates, marriage, and everything that goes with it including dating apps and videos. There are very adult themes throughout which can make you a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re watching with family members.

The set was very simple and static, set out very specifically to allow for social distancing of the cast which happened the whole way through, carried out so well that unless you focused on it, you would not have noticed that they were distanced as it was directed and shot in a way that it was seamless.

A few stand out moments were Edwards and Lipkin performing Sex and the Married Couple. Very physical and well-acted, with Lipkin showing just how hilarious is, even with just a look or the way he holds his mouth. Tompsett singing Shouldn’t I Be Less in Love With You was stunning, and Fearn’s delivery of The Very First Dating Video of Rose Ritz was utterly heart-breaking and beautiful. The pure emotion put into that section was incredible.

The final song, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, was a great way to round up show with a beautiful acapella beginning, to bringing in the musicians, ending all together.

Director Kirk Jameson has really thought this through when bringing a cast together during a time of social distancing and keeping everyone safe. The music and songs are the centre of this piece and Musical Director Nick Barstow has done an incredible job of bringing all this together.

A great piece that lets you escape from the real world for a short while and be thoroughly entertained.

Until 30^th January 2021 – https://londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/i-love-you-youre-perfect-now-change/

Reviewer: Damian Riverol

Reviewed: 28^th January 2021

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★