Thanks for Having Me | Riverside Studios

Thanks for Having Me, which is written by Keelan Kember, is a hilarious play about the highs and lows on modern dating and the many unspoken rules that accompany this. Following two characters; Honey, a flirty and confident casual dater as he grapples with serious feelings for the first time, and Cashel, a neurodivergent anxious and confused individual who is coming out of a 8-year long serious relationship, the play is a wild ride throughout. 

Directed by Monica Cox, the play glides by, drawing audiences into the bizarre series of events. The play instantly feels relatable, no doubt hitting close to home with experiences from anyone who is attempting modern dating. The play, despite being very dialogue heavy, is engaging and breezes by, feeling much shorter than its run time of 80 minutes. 

The cast of four each bring a different and yet compatible performance, elevating the already excellent script. Nell Tiger Free as Eloise is fascinating as her intense repulsion of relationships is slowly revealed. Linking her own personal experiences and that of a misogynistic society, this creates a web that allows for a deep dive into her fear and anger that thrives in the minds of a majority of single women. Free's performance is emotionally stirring as she oozes vulnerability and sexuality at intervals. Adeyinka Akinrinade as Maya is sweet, yet sly as she is so perfectly matched with Honey, her romantic interest. Akinrinade's earnest and mature performance is teasingly playful yet heartfelt, especially as the audience can feel her reserved joy radiating when she confronts her fears. 

Kedar Williams-Sterling as Honey is an unendingly charming performer, with his cheeky charm and confidence winning the crowd over in seconds. Williams-Sterling's steady performance anchors the piece, and his patience and respect for his friend, Cashel, is a refreshing new side of the character. Williams-Sterling's performance is gorgeous as he wrenches out the smallest of details in his own emotional journey and character arc, leaving audiences in love with his performance. 

Kember, also the writer of the play, stars as Cashel, a neurodivergent anxious young man, whose turbulent mental state drives the play forwards. An absolute stand out with an unforgettable character, Cashel's neurotic ticks form a good part of the show's humour, whilst feeling authentic and representative. Kember's enchanting brilliance at both writing and acting is evident the moment he steps on stage, stealing the spotlight. However, it's not just the character's awkwardness that makes him so endearing, but his romantic notions in a fast paced world. 

The play, whilst otherwise flawless, suffers only from its short runtime, rendering Eloise and Maya to side characters. Whilst understandable as the play is about differing approaches to modern dating and the two roommates and best friends, Honey and Cashel, the characters themselves have been written so well, it seems almost a shame that audiences are restricted to a limited engagement with them. At times, even Honey fades a little into the shadows, which is unfortunate for the play's most electric and strongest moments are when Honey and Cashel are on stage together. However, this does mean audiences are treated with more stage time with Cashel, which is undeniably a brilliant time. 

The play focuses primarily on creating romance in a more straightforward and practical dating environment (a little Amy Winehouse and poetic sonnets always helps), the game plan behind every date makes this play so relatable. Audiences of all ages will recognise themselves in these characters, and connect to their own fears, desires and actions. Yet it's the smaller moments that feed into this that make the piece so compelling and interesting. The casual inclusion of neurodivergence, which is dissected well without becoming the sole focus of Cashel's plotline, the discussion of feminism, tradition, societal expectations, and double standards, the refreshingly accepting and affectional male friendship and open discussion about being single. 

The set, designed by Ellie Wintour, is relatively simple, with an open plan flat belonging to Honey, that feels remarkably lived in with a rather cosy feel to it. Three doorways, two leading to Cashel and Honey's bedrooms and another to the front door, helps create a clear divide between the two pairs. The kitchen features an overhead lighting, adding to the sense of a rather realistic home. Matt Karmios, the sound and lighting designer, adds to this sense of authenticity, with moonlight streaming in between scenes and gentle music to help create a background score for the scenes. 

Thanks for Having Me is a joyous and excellent play that was greeted with laughter and love from the audience from start to finish. With lovable and memorable characters, to a relatable and heartwarming plot, and extremely strong writing and performances, this play promises a good time. 

Thanks for Having Me is currently playing at Riverside Studios until 26th April 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Oliver Kember