Little Lark of London

“So how does this normally work for you, then?”

If you’ve ventured into the world of online dating, you can certainly relate to the story of Strategic Love Play – a play written by Miriam battye about a date that isn’t exactly going well. Archie Blackhouse and Letty Thomas star as Adam and Jenny in a two-hander that explores just what drives people to go on these dates in the first place and how one might deal with a strange proposal from a near stranger.

The set of Strategic Love Play is simple, two chair and a table on a round platform that is able to spin around the stage, guided by the two performers throughout the show. Lampshades hang all around, an interesting choice that seems to set the play in a limbo between the world we know and one different than our own. That strange, liminal space appears to be what Director Katie Posner is going for in terms of the play as a whole, as time seems to pass in a different way as the flights flicker above. 

The date itself? Almost immediately off to a rough start, with Jenny making Adam uncomfortable with a range of topics including a discussion on asses. Several times throughout the date, Adam tries to leave, but is thrwarted by Jenny doing something drastic in order to make him stay, from collapsing in a heap under the table to making wild proposals about their future. Instead of going their separate ways and never speaking to one another again, the two come up with a hypothetical plan of how they are going to live the rest of their lives together, a proposal that explains the title of the show and focuses on how one can “barter” in terms of love and affection. 

Unfortunately, though the concept of Strategic Love Play is interesting, it makes it nearly impossible to root for or even like Adam and Jenny, which makes the play as a whole a frustrating watch. Adam has some funny moments, but it is difficult to understand his decisions, especailly when he keeps insisting on leaving but always finds a way back to sit next to Jenny. I was particularly frustrated by the character of Jenny, who appears from the beginning as an awkward character, which starts off endearing but quickly grows annoying through her dramatic declarations and gaslighting tactics. There are a few moments when Jenny is leaving voicemails to her friend, Emma, where we get a small look into her vulnerability, but they are quickly thrown away as soon as Adam reenters the room.

Ultimately, Strategic Love Play is an interesting take on the modern online dating scene, but it failed to leave me supporting either of the characters, making for a dissatisfying ending. The two actors do a great job portraying their roles but the show struggles to find a connection between both the two characters and the play and its audience. 

Strategic Love Play ran from 23 May to 15 June at Soho Theatre. For more information, click here.