Love in all its glory

Like the rustling of the leaves strewn across the set, Lovesong sweeps its way through time in a beautiful, melancholic and understated fashion.

The play, written by BAFTA winner Abi Morgan, takes us on a couples journey from the beginning of their marriage to the end through a blend of memories, glimpses of past and present, and fleeting reminisces appearing like ghosts.

It captures the early promise of a couple and charts their way through inevitable successes and disappointments, good times and bad through overlapping memories, videos, and dialogue that remains captivating throughout.

Playing the young couple are Edward Bennett and Leanne Rowe, while Sam Cox and Sian Phillips take on the role of the pair later in life, and all play their parts with heart-wrenching perfection.

It is often what is not said that tells the story, through the silent moments of Phillips silently trying to hide her pain and sadness, Bennett’s way of capturing his implosive frustration, to the delicate dancing choreographed by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett ebbing and flowing effortlessly carrying us through the years.

Stunning, funny, bruising, painful and perfect, Lovesong is a total assault on your emotions.

Jamie Smith

Verdict: Captivating