Leslie Ash stars in this new play exploring modern relationships in a digitalized word – penned by first-time author Aaron Thakar. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this droll comedy about machines taking over our love lives deserves to have its plug pulled.
If you push too hard, it never works. Well, there’s a few exceptions to that rule that come to the top… of my head – and somewhere else. But yes, it’s true that we should never force things to happen – let alone allow a gadget to do the work. It’s never as satisfying as it seems… The future is here, anyway! And it’s almost as ugly as your stepsister. What? I’m just calling you Cinderella – beautiful, charming and poor. Okay, that’s enough (don’t buy it). Picture a world where relationships can be structured, made progress of and saved by a mathematical formula. A new reality where all that makes us human can be solved and re-arranged by an inert ensemble of chips and wires. Now, get off Grindr for a moment and let’s carry on with the review.
Welcome to Artificially Yours, a new comedy playing at London’s Riverside Studios and themed upon the not-so-far-away reality of love affairs being orchestrated but those that can’t understand that feeling in the first place. Written by Aaron Thakar, who also performs as one of the leads, this choral comedy comments on the dangers on technology sneaking into the most personal levels of our existence – a present situation we can’t even opt to stay out of, but extremized (sort to speak) through an Alexa-type device (sorry Google, not this time) able to coordinate and counsel on every single aspect of a couple’s journey.
A popular concept that’s been explored in more than a few ways by now, the idea still keeps a hint of a fresh appeal – quick to bond with due to its proximity to our day-to-day experiences. We may not have a tool that tells us what to do when it comes to romance or even sex (someone with a tool who does, however, is another story…), but we definitely google up (damn it!) tips and advice on how to handle the scenarios we go through. Oh, that reminds me – I need to search for some 9-inch candles…
Featuring a situation comedy style, the script manages to weave its three plot lines with some sort of seamlessness, while keeping up the engagement through the recount thanks to an entertaining tale which, though not too original or surprising, still clicks with us and keeps us amused. However, there are still some tweaks to be made, those coming both from pacing and dialogue – with some scenes needing some cutting to improve the show’s overall flow, and several jokes requiring more of a witty and shocking element to fully land (they do feel a little too obvious or easy at some points). In addition, more character background and introspection would also allow the personages to become much more solid, while at the same time building a stronger connection with the audience.
The company’s enthusiasm makes up for some of these mistakes, nonetheless – delivering a rather electrified performance that stands out through their graspable love for the material as well as their mutual rapport. Among them, Destiny Mayers gives a compelling portrayal as Lilah, endowing the role with both attitude and presence. Yet, the highest praise goes to Jake Mavis in the part of Ash, for his incredibly energetic rendition filled with excellent comedic timing and invigorating flair – making of a character who’s much of a dork, an utmost charmer instead.
A nice first attempt at crafting an amusing and somehow perceptive view on modern society, Artificially Yours raises a discreet voice through its inviting quasi sci-fi premise and uncomplicated humourous approach, but it’s still asking for more patches to be put into its central unit in order to avoid a possible shutdown. It’s lively in general, but some glitches must be amended to let its whole system work more harmonically and, in the end, leave a footprint that’s more than digital.
All pictures credit to Andrew Fosker.
Artificially Yours plays at London’s Riverside Studios until 21 April. Tickets are available on the following link.