REVIEW | Love Actually? The Musical Parody

In the bustling holiday season, when the air is thick with nostalgia and the glow of fairy lights, Love Actually? The Musical Parody arrives like a brilliantly wrapped gift—one that delivers unexpected laughs and a healthy dose of satire. This clever production hilariously reimagines the rom-com classic, delivering a fresh spin on the interconnected love stories that charmed audiences on the big screen two decades ago.

From its opening number to the final curtain, the show sets a cheeky, self-aware tone, never shying away from poking fun at its source material. Each storyline is amplified to absurdity, offering a tongue-in-cheek critique of the film’s grand romantic gestures and occasionally questionable moral undertones. For fans of the original, it’s a laugh-out-loud homage; for skeptics, it’s a sharply entertaining satire.

The cast are the heartbeat of the production, tackling multiple roles with a versatility and massive energy. Belinda Jenkin, a veteran of the parody circuit, delivers standout performances with impeccable comic timing. Ian Andrew brings a goofy charm to his roles, effortlessly shifting between earnest sincerity and laughable melodrama. Mitchell Groves embodies each character with distinct quirks, while Sophie Loughran shines in her comedic delivery, often stealing scenes with her deadpan expressions and physical comedy. Massimo Zuccara commands attention with his dynamic stage presence and physical agility, while Jeremy Harland brings a sharp wit and an infectious enthusiasm to his performances.

What makes the performances truly remarkable is the actors’ ability to switch between characters—and accents—at breakneck speed. It’s not just the dialogue that changes; the physicality, mannerisms, and even emotional beats shift with precision, creating a cast of memorable caricatures that keep the audience engaged and laughing.
Director Jeremy Harland’s staging is sharp and inventive, ensuring the production moves at a brisk pace. The minimalist set design allows for quick transitions between the various storylines, with cleverly designed props and lighting cues filling in the gaps. The choreography, while playful and intentionally over-the-top adds to the spectacle without distracting from the parody’s sharp wit. The original score is one of the production’s many highlights. Each song is a witty commentary on the characters’ dilemmas, blending catchy melodies with humour. The lyrics often playfully deconstruct the romantic clichés of the film, offering fresh insights into familiar scenes.

Beyond its humour, this production offers a thoughtful exploration of the absurdity of modern romance. By pushing the film’s sentimental moments to comedic extremes, it holds up a mirror to the grandiosity of cinematic love stories. It’s a reminder that love is often messy, awkward, and far from perfect—a sentiment that feels particularly resonant during the holiday season.

In a crowded season of holiday-themed entertainment, Love Actually? The Musical Parody stands out as a festive, feel-good experience that delivers on both laughs and heart. The cast’s performances, the sharp writing, and the clever staging combine to create a theatrical event that’s as entertaining as it is insightful.

Love Actually? The Musical Parody is playing as part of the Christmas Showtime Festival at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne through the 2024 festive season. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://christmasshowtimefestival.com/