“quirky little musical … a raw performance by two of Australia’s finest talents”
Julia Newbould
4 High notes
Venue
Sydney: Foundry Theatre
Until 13 April
The moment Lucy Maunder steps on the stage we feel the warmth of her character Lana, and when Keegan Joyce starts speaking as Jesse we warm to him also.
From the start of this quirky little musical we care about this couple. We are rooting for them – we want them to get together, we want their dating life to be successful. We want them to get through life’s struggles.
This is a raw performance by two of Australia’s finest talents Maunder (Chicago, Mary Poppins) and Joyce (Rake, Please like me), playing roles inspired by the real-life journey of Kyle Falconer (from Scottish band, The View) and Laura Wilde.
First performed to full houses in Edinburgh, the musical has enjoyed sold-out seasons in London and New York. This production has seen it It translate seamlessly to Newcastle in Australia. Starting in a bar where musician Jesse meets Lana – the musical authentically portrays the “he thinks/she thinks” of a modern relationship. They don’t always see things the same way, but they are connected and when they quickly become pregnant and have a child they are committed to being the “dream team”.
But it’s not easy. There are big life decisions that need to be made. Lana wants to go to uni, she tries, but she cannot compartmentalise her life as both a mother and a student. Jesse wants his band to break in America. They need money. But the two months away it involves is a long time – Lana struggles on her own and cracks start to appear. The easy honesty of their relationship is difficult to maintain long distance. Many of the struggles of being a new parent are left unsaid by Lana and Jesse is left unaware.
The story focuses on post-natal depression, which is a dark theme for a musical, but the treatment is well done. There are many laughs sprinkled just where they’re needed. Throughout the relationship cycle, the music becomes more raw, more wrought, deeper, stronger. Maunder’s voice is pure and powerful and Joyce’s voice grows with him.
No Love Songs is unmistakeably a love story. No love songs for me is not just love songs – it’s deeper, it’s many emotions, it can be hard, sad, and a struggle.
Their first song – Stressball “Let me be your stress ball” – is one where each gives to the other a strength, an escape valve, and a support. It is what sets them up to a committed relationship and which is really the crux of their relationship. They need to sustain being each other’s stress ball. When they forget – the relationship falters.
No love songs was perfect for the new Foundry Theatre, adjacent to the Lyric, at The Star. The theatre was set with seats on three sides of the stage and its intimate feel allowed an easiness in breaking the fourth wall.
Photo credit: Brett Boardman
Four high notes
Julia Newbould, Theatre Now
