A number of new British musicals have tackled the often absurd topic of modern dating, from the delightful Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) and the gone-too-soon Why Am I So Single?. James Cooper’s Lovestuck: A New Comedy Musical tackles similar themes, such as social media desperation and dating app woes, but with one very large (and very stinky) twist: it’s based on the viral story of a girl who got stuck hanging out a window after trying to dispose of a poo she couldn’t flush at her first date’s abode.
Lovestuck creatively reunites the co-creators of hit podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno, with Cooper’s writing being brought to life by director (and former co-host) Jamie Morton. If you’ve never listened to the podcast, rectify that immediately — just don’t listen while driving, or you may risk a laughter-induced road accident. If you are a fan of My Dad Wrote a Porno, you’ll be pleased to see the crew’s trademark stupidly silly humour shining in all its glory on the Stratford East stage.
But despite the book having more poop references than Ice Spice’s discography, there’s just as much heart within Lovestuck as there is toilet humour, which is largely thanks to its wonderful central cast. Shane O’Riordan is unabashedly adorkable as LARP-loving Peter, with a singing voice as sweet as his sunny smile. He oozes a happy-go-lucky charm as he delivers memorable numbers like Underneath and One In A Million.
An extra special mention must be given to Ambra Caserotti, who stepped into the co-leading role of Lucy just one week before opening night after Jessica Boshier was sadly injured during rehearsals. You’d never have guessed Caserotti stepped up to the role with such short notice — her comic timing and vocals are a constant delight, and she anchors the show with ease.
In the first Act, Peter and Lucy are equally unlucky in love while navigating other familiar adult obstacles such as stressful jobs and dodgy living conditions. After matching on a new dating app, they go to a Mexican restaurant for their first date (brilliantly named Juan Night Only) and quickly connect. They finish the night back at Peter’s, where the aforementioned faeces fiasco occurs.
What follows in Act Two is the aftermath of the story going viral, after Peter’s banker mate David (a suitably sleazy Johan Munir) posts an unfortunate photo of Lucy stuck in poo purgatory online.
Throughout the chaos and crises, we’re treated to a truly dazzling feast of musical numbers by Cooper and musician Bryn Christopher. All the songs are delightfully original and memorable, such as the rock-infused titular number Lovestuck, wonderfully wacky Cat Lady, and toe-tapping closer Everybody’s Got Their Shit. The tunes are catchy, the lyrics are witty, and they put a bouncy spring in the story’s step.
The book is a touch rough round the edges, and the comedy lands best when Lovestuck embraces its bonkerdom and shuns sincerity. There are also times when the script should trust its audience more to get the joke by themselves; while the iconic Alison Steadman is a predictably wonderful narrator, most of the extra commentary doesn’t feel necessary to move the story along or add to the humour.
Lucy’s inner demons are personified in the form of the slinky, bitchy Miseraie, played with wicked snark by the fabulous Bridgette Amofah. However, this character also falls into the similar trap of sometimes offering a bit too much commentary, leaving scenes such as Lucy and Peter’s first date with not quite enough breathing room for their dialogue to really make an impact.
Visually, the production is superb. Morton’s direction takes advantage of Tom Rogers’s sleek set design, and Act Two opener Girl In The Window is staged in a beautifully absurd way that highlights this musical’s major strength: being able to laugh at itself.
Despite a few minor flaws, Lovestuck is still a diamond of a new musical with bucket loads of heart and poo jokes galore. Take a date, take a mate, or just take yourself — this show will leave you with a smile on your face, a deep fondness for the central characters, and a healthy dose of second hand embarrassment.
Tickets are available to buy from: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/lovestuck-a-new-comedy-musical
Reviewer: Olivia Cox
Reviewed: 17th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: