Give Her My Love - Barons Court Theatre

Told through a series of monologues and duologues, this show follows Dodi and Ava as they attempt to cope with their separation. It is a touching story that places heart, grief and identity at its centre, developing the queer narrative seamlessly without it becoming an area of focus. It was particularly refreshing to see diversity present on stage without the need for it to be overtly explained or justified. By treating it as an unremarkable part of everyday life, the production subtly champions a “live and let live” ethos that feels both natural and necessary.

The performances given by Aoife Morgan Jones and Dión Di Maio were stunning. Jones, as Dodi, captured the sweetness and occasional naïveté that often accompanies a first love, while Di Maio’s Ava explored the lingering impact of grief on new relationships. Their chemistry on stage was exactly what one would hope for, and it never wavered into the caricatural.

While Jake Hart’s new play features several emotional monologues that explore the sincerity and rawness of break-ups, there were moments when this reviewer became slightly confused about the timeline. At points, the narrative appeared to move between the couple’s relationship, as well as moments before and after it. Although this structure offered a much-needed backstory and deeper insight into the characters as individuals, the limited use of costuming and the heavy reliance on the text occasionally made these shifts difficult to follow.

The direction by Sorcha Harris made the most of both the limited space and the small range of costumes, often in inventive ways. Though this reviewer still found herself slightly lost at times, the performers used every inch of the stage, making the most of everything at their disposal. That, in many ways, is theatre at its most immediate. Shows like this remind us that we do not necessarily need large ensembles, elaborate sets, or intricate costumes to communicate the most important thing of all: a story.

Despite a few moments of narrative ambiguity, the production ultimately succeeds because of its emotional sincerity and the strength of its performances. In just under 75 minutes, it offers a thoughtful and intimate exploration of love, loss, and the complicated ways people move forward after a relationship ends. It is a small-scale piece, but one that leaves a lasting impression.

Production Value: 70%

Value For Money: 80%

Personal Enjoyment: 70%

Overall Score: 73% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Pleasance Theatre, London

Playing until: 14th March

Run Time: Approximately 1h15 with no interval

Tickets for this venue can be found at this link.