I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
presented by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall
16 August 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is a musical comedy that premiered Off-Broadway in the 1990's. It's seldom performed in the UK, and you may not be aware that there is a superb production of it flying under the radar at this years Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The play's tagline is "Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit."
It's a celebration of all varieties of romantic relationships told through a series of musical comedy sketches. Each scene is independent from the next and the wonderful cast of four here play every age range, every accent, every scenario you can imagine taking us through all the stages of life's dating game.
From first date nerves, to dealing with demanding parents, to navigating the ruthless, modern online dating world, to marriage woes and even funerals. 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' is an insightful and candid observation on life. You are sure to be familiar with at least some of the scenarios and, without exception, all of them are well judged, powerful and beautifully performed.
There was a scene in a car that reminded me of 'Keeping up Appearances' - "Mind that kerb Richard! Don't drive too fast Richard!" and a stunning, devastating vignette "Shouldn't I Be Less In Love With You?" that made me want to catch the train home and hug my husband immediately. There are many forthright and hilarious scenes that accurately represent relationships through the course of someone's life.
Being a fringe production, the set and costuming is minimal and the success of the musical lies firmly on the strength of the writing and performances. Thankfully the book and lyrics here are excellent and the small cast of four are outstanding. Sometimes playing as a pair, other times as a four-piece, their harmonies are exquisite and their individual performances are flawless.
For me personally, I'm always going to prefer a play or musical with a complete narrative arc rather than a series of vignettes, but as far as musical comedy sketch shows go - this is gorgeous.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is at theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall until 24 August.
💗 I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is presented by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change - cast
Megan Carole
Sarah Pearson
Bradley Walywyn
Sam Willison
Musical Director: Nick Allen
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change - 2024 Edinburgh dates
Venue: theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall
Dates: 2 - 24 August
Time: 15:40
⌚ Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes
⚠️ Age guideline | 14+
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change review, theSpace, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Surgeons Hall, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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