Lovestuck: A New Musical Comedy | Stratford East

Lovestuck, written by James Cooper, Bryn Christopher and Martin Batchelar, is an original new musical romantic comedy that more than delights audiences with catchy songs, quirky characters, relatable situations, and an uplifting message. Directed by Jamie Morton, the musical is an impressive original that pays homage to it's 90s rom-com movie roots, with larger than life endearing performances.  

The musical follows two single thirty-something year olds, Peter (Shane O'Riordan) and Lucy (Ambra Caserotti) as they navigate dating in the modern worlds. In true 90s rom-com style, the musical has a narrator (Alison Steadman), who provides context, along with commentary.

With internal and external influences encouraging them to change their personalities to make a positive impression, both Lucy and Peter, find themselves torn, especially in the prospect of "true love". As the stakes rise, and things spin out of control, Peter and Lucy, are stuck in a shitty situation. Literally. 

James Cooper, who wrote the book, brings the fast-paced and witty dialogue that features in the classic 90s rom-com genre, to the stage to great use. Whilst the plot can feel a little outdated at points, especially with the blunt mockery of being a geek, queer stereotypes, and body shaming, the script impressively captures the humour that softens and humanises these moments. The script uses crude humour well, creating a cringey nevertheless fail proof extended joke that has the audiences howling with laughter for a majority of the play. Absurd as the story is, the musical still carries a lot of heart to it, adding just the right ingredients to make it a loveable show. 

The show takes a while to get started, perhaps with the pacing drawn out to introduce the leads, yet falls into a steady and enjoyable rhythm where the musical really begins to shine. The characters are each well written, made only stronger by a supporting cast of Lucy's internal negative voice, her best friend Reece and Peter's flatmate David, who bring a plethora of chaos and laughter with them. 

The cast are a credit to the musical, with Bridgette Amofah, stealing the show as "Miseraie", the human personification of Lucy's internal negative voice. Amofah is stunning in the role, gathering the audience's admiration even whilst being painfully harsh. Marcus Ayton as Reece is a charming and hilarious addition, with a stellar attitude. Johan Munir convincingly plays "finance guy" David, neatly bringing out the incompetence and toxicity to Peter's life. Holly Liburd, is another stand out performer, turning small unnamed ensemble roles into some of the show's most memorable characters, and an ultimate scene-stealer.

Shane O'Riordan is everything one could look for in a rom com male lead, with a gentle and sweet disposition, adorkable temperament, gorgeous vocals and a sincere performance. O'Riordan shines in the role, with his solo "One In A Million", one of the musical's strongest scenes. Ambra Caserotti, stepping into the role of Lucy with only a week's notice after the lead sustained an injury, is excellent in the musical. With a performance not unlike actress Renee Zellweger in the Bridget Jones franchise, Caserotti easily handles the ridiculous and bizarre situation, songs and scenes with ease. Caserotti shines as the Lucy, delivering a very impressive performance that truly sparkles. 

The music, by Christopher, Batchelar and Cooper, are impressive, neatly falling between a movie soundtrack and traditional musical theatre numbers. With several stand out songs such as "One In A Million", "All Along", "Girl In The Window", "Shit!" and the titular "Lovestruck", the music is wonderful. The songs manage to both impress and amuse audiences and remain terribly catchy, that audiences will be looking up the musical's upcoming EP. Music Direction by Jon Ranger. Chi-San Howard, also takes advantage of the beat heavy and energetic songs by setting them to great choreography. 

The set design by Tom Rogers, is wonderfully apt for the piece with warm glowing colours of purple, gold, pink, blue, orange and green filling the stage. Screens, in the shape of windows and arranged to resemble a heart, adorn the back wall, creating a rather beautiful visual design. Adam King's lighting contributes well to this heart, filling it with floods of light. Smaller set pieces have painstakingly details, that are quickly brought on by ensemble members. Also as costume designer, Roger's outfits for the ensemble and Amofah in "Cat Lady" deserve a special shoutout. 

Lovestuck is a wonderful glimpse at the future of musical theatre, with an original soundtrack, fun story, and a victorious soundtrack. Resembling something of a live 90s rom-com, it's a guaranteed good night out.

It is currently playing at the Stratford East until the 12th of July.

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★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted ticket in return for an honest review