REVIEW | Love’s A Beach, Soho Theatre

9 Feb

Written by Becky

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

Fresh from a 5-star sold-out run at VAULT Festival, Loves A Beach has debuted its first showings at Soho Theatre. Ben and Cyrus are 22, they have hundreds of thousands of followers – and now, 6 months on from the show that catapulted them to fame, they’re spending most of their time promoting vegan dog food, and making sponsored content about lawnmowers. When they’re offered a million-pound influencing deal in Dubai, the world looks on to see what L*ve Isl*nd’s first LGBT sweethearts will do. Written by Will Johnston and starring James Akka and Iain Ferrier this smart, humorous and moving play is one to remember to add to your watch list this season.

James Akka plays Cyrus with excellent comedic timing and delivery. He opens the show immediately with laughter dressed in nothing but an adult nappy and wears it with pride! His character was addictive to watch, every muscle on his face remained moving with expression. He managed to represent a large majority of influencers and regular people who have that strong need or want for a following, so much so it takes over their lives.

Iain Ferrier plays a very lovable Ben. He’s a part of the limelight as well as Cyrus, but has a much more humble approach to the game he’s receiving. He displays a more calm and collective personality on stage. His line delivery is slightly more serious in comparison, which gives a great insight into the divide that social media can have on us as a tech-heavy generation.

The writing is sharp, witty and brilliantly funny. Will Johnston and Katie Sayer did a very commendable job bringing this script together. With its fair share of references to TV shows and famous influencers we know, love or hate today, the timing of each joke or dig at the world we live in today was very well done and always got a barrel of agreeing laughter from the audience.

Soho Theatre was an excellent choice for a show such as this one. Brilliant for a 60-minute intimate sitting, people coming together in unison to appreciate the topical matter of the show. Whether that be references to the LGBTQ+ community or their own struggles with social media and knowing they need a detox from it all. The cast worked well with the little room they had in the cosy upstairs theatre, using every corner of the room to their advantage. It really was as if you were sat watching your own reality TV show within the comforts of your own home.

There were some small flaws to be acutely picked at however. Such as Cyrus’ ignorance to the fact that a gay couple in Dubai could be executed for their beliefs, that being slightly glossed over felt a little naive. Additionally, there were a few digs at women’s rights that, although of course a satirical comment, did come across a little ignorant in its delivery, and it could maybe do without a line such as women’s rights being “boring” when one of the main demographics of its audience could be quite quickly offended.

That being said, the way that it brings to life the true pros and cons of the digital age and how cleverly it depicts the lifestyle that can come with it is very applaudable. It’s a show that pokes fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a wonderful pair of actors at its heart.

Love’s a Beach is coming soon to Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Check out sohotheatre.com for updates.