The writer behind Cockfosters is back! A hugely successful run at the Turbine Theatre this summer left audiences totally overwhelmed with laughter in the spot-on takedown of our beloved London Underground. This time, the story has migrated story somewhere else.
In and Out of Love, written by Tom Woffenden, is a side-splitting yet poignant play, set in Venice, the city of luuurve. The audience, together with Sam and ‘Grid (yes that is her name, she’s not like regular Ingrids) navigate the play’s dichotomy through a comical and complex journey of ex-lovers. Despite their breakup, the idealists begrudgingly go on the non-refundable Booking.com trip anyway. The ensuing run-time takes the audience on a well-crafted journey through their origin story, how they got together, and how they met their relationship end. The production captures the bittersweet irony of a once-romantic trip now laced with unresolved feelings, awkward moments, and bitter recollections.
Director Saul Boyer helps to translate the writing’s themes of humour and reflection to stage. The pacing is spot-on, allowing each scene to build naturally on the previous one without feeling rushed or overburdened. The minimalist set (Gareth Rowntree), which is centred around the hotel double bed, is a humorous nod to the awkwardness of our ill-fated couple sharing close quarters. It also facilitates excellent physical and animated comedy in times where the duo’s explosive arguments, intimacy and quiet moments are hashed out under the sheets. This approach draws attention to the characters’ evolving tension, offering a grounded stage experience that feels both relatable and engaging. All this intertwined with effective lighting (Ben Sayers) and sound composition (Arthur Sawbridge), which creates great transitions back and forth across the timeline of this story.
The performances are a highlight, with Sam (Robert Kot) and Ingrid's (Olivia Bernstone) portrayal adding layers to the characters’ shared history and lingering sentiments. Their dysfunctional relationship, intermingled with some poignant moments of shared reflection, is essential in maintaining the storyline's authenticity, making the audience feel involved in their journey. The writing is punchy, the banter believable, and the interactions raw, keeping the audience invested in the couple’s highs and lows. One thing, however, stuck out when the characters get ice cream; there’s a real chance to make this moment shine, especially when you consider Sam’s backstory of being an ice-cream man, but the actors just hold them awkwardly. It briefly suspends the immersive-ness of the show; lick your fake ice creams! All in all though, grassroots theatre goers will appreciate the straightforward but effective storytelling style.
Overall, In and Out of Love is a must-see for fans of witty, character-driven theatre that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet leaves an impact. It was a refreshing experience that captures the allure of fringe theatre and resonates well with audiences open to introspective, yet entertaining, love stories.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Marshall Stay
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