First Date, a comedy musical with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, and book by Austin Winsberg, takes the audience on the journey of an awkward first blind date. We follow unsure, BDV (blind date virgin) Aaron (Michali Dantes) and edgy, serial dater Casey (Rokaya) and the multiple voices of their nearest and dearest playing angels and devils in their heads as they go through the highs and lows of first encounters. Directed by James Edge and produced by Liam Alexandru, Birmingham's Old Joint Stock Theatre once again proves their worth as a successful Fringe Theatre beyond Edinburgh and London with this incredibly fun and light-hearted production of First Date.
First Date does exactly what it advertises as a comedy musical, bringing some real laugh out loud moments to the songs and dialogue, full to the brim with satire and subtle nods. However, most of the songs and performed by the ensemble of characters surrounding our lead characters that it feels like there is a lack of character development for both Aaron and Casey as the story moves forward, causing it to feel difficult to root for their connection to grow. Whilst the comedic songs are fun, they do not necessarily stand out, and it's the slower ballad songs that grab your attention. Both Dantes and Rokaya do a solid job with the limited material that they have, and truly take the spotlight with their songs 'Safer' and 'The Things I Never Said'.
Completing the cast as multiple characters are Man 1 (Tom Kiteley), Man 2 (Joey Warne) and Woman 1 (Lowri Hamer), who all do a tremendous job of singing and dancing their way through the highs and lows of first dates, and it is both Kiteley and Warne who give standout performances and create some of the funniest moments of the show - in particular during the song 'That's Why You Love Me' where the duo get up close and personal with audience members in the front row, causing them to squirm in their seats whilst still donning the biggest smiles on their faces (myself included). It's no easy feat to multi-role several characters, but this ensemble cast makes it look effortless.
Director Edge maintains the fun and lively manner of this musical throughout. Upon entering the theatre, the waiter (Warne) welcomes the audience to 'Cupidz' (the restaurant in which the story takes place) and shows you to your seats. Throughout, the ensemble oftentimes break the fourth wall to interact with the audience and with the perfect intimacy that this theatre provides, the audience really feel the awkwardness of the blind date that unfolds as we are whisked away on the journey. Alongside this, upon leaving the auditorium, the front of house staff provide you with a fun little 'receipt' of your evening at Cupidz, and all of these elements are really lovely ways of enhancing the light-hearted and fun element of this production.
Set designer Joanna Marshall has once again transformed the little black box theatre magnificently - again reminding audiences of the many creative ways in which smaller theatres can excel at being successful at good quality production with smaller budgets. A window view of a skyline that lights up sits on the back wall, with three sets of tables taking centre stage and a corner bar with a light up sign stating 'Cupidz' holds the props that are seamlessly transferred to the ensemble cast. The space is utilised incredibly well, and Edge has ensured that when a scene change takes place, it weaves in naturally with the comedy of the show, with a 'refurbishment' of the restaurant taking place in the background.
For those looking for an entertaining and light-hearted watch, with a musical that doesn't take itself seriously, then First Date is the perfect show for you. At the beating heart of this production is an incredibly talented cast and fun production elements that allow the audience to get lost in the pure joy and escapism of theatre.
First Date runs at Birmingham's Old Joint Stock Theatre until 25th August - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Perro Loco Productions
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