Lovers Actually

The Other Palace

Playing until 4th January 2026

Book tickets

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

{PR Gifted ticket}

Very few people among us would have not seen Love Actually, but for the sake of those who have clearly missed out on this Christmas classic, it is a web of love stories that take place over the festive season. Similar to the movie it is based on, Lovers Actually also highlights the fact that love can come in all shapes and sizes.

Neil Hurst and Jodie Prenger’s script is fully committed to the parody nature of this stage production and embraces the ridiculousness of it all. The actors in turn, use everything within their arsenal to help realise the writers’ vision. Somewhat modernised and kept up with the trend, even Donald Trump made an appearance and the mentions of Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (or Prince Andrew as he was formerly known) certain garnered some laughs. The production is labelled as a naughty musical parody and it delivered what’s on the tin.

However, while the production seems to be ok to show dildos, butt plugs and send sexual innuendos flying through the air, it also bangs on about no swearing in Billy Mack’s Christmas single and also censorship in a porn shoot. To further exaggerate the parody aspect, I would have been fine to see it go in the other direction to add in even more swearing and explicit contents.

The actors each take on a range of characters in this show and form a hilarious ensemble, each capturing the essence of the character or actor they are meant to portray. For fans of the original movie, it is evident who each of the character is even without any context. For example, Holly Sumpton appeared on stage with Karen’s (Emma Thompson) iconic hairstyle and Ross Clifton donning a wig in Severus Snape’s hair style and also in Snape’s costume.

It is clear that every actor in this show is 100% committed to their roles. Joseph Beach (Liam Neeson, John, Billy Mack and others) and Martha Pothen (Tiffany, Judy, Peter and others) in particular deserve to be mentioned especially. Their facial expression and movements are both exaggerated, serving as highlights of the show and anchors some of the funniest scenes. When comments relating to Pothen’s physical traits and size were commented upon, the actors break the fourth wall to examine the script, one of the most hilarious moments of the entire show.

When things go wrong, like props falling over and set mishaps, the actors find a way to respond to them in a comical way. The spontaneity of the cast, self-awareness of the characters and the small level of audience participation make Lovers Actually a crude, but highly entertaining night out, providing the audience attending each performance with a unique experience.  

Creatives

Writers: Neil Hurst and Jodie Prenger

Director: Alex Jackson

Choreographer: Kim Healey

Set & Costume Designer: Louie Whitemore

Lighting Designer: Sherry Coenen

Sound Designer: Hannah Bracegirdle

Musical Director: Lauren Hopkinson

Produced by Kiki Stevenson for The Other Palace