Lovers Actually

Review by Jack

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Although this show has been wrapped to look like our festive favourite Love Actually, it is nothing like you'd expect in the best possible way. Written by Jodie Prenger and Neil Hurst, Lovers Actually is a cheeky, fast paced parody bursting with energy, driven by an incredibly versatile cast: Joseph Beach, Ross Clifton, Martha Pothen and Holly Sumpton. They take on every role from the film, embracing the chaos, costume changes and comedy with total commitment.

This musical spoof zips through the intertwining stories of Love Actually with playful jabs, festive rewrites and plenty of fourth wall breaks. Expect familiar scenes twisted into outrageous new versions, nods to the actors’ wider careers, and a flurry of crossovers. It’s Christmas… just not as you know it.

This show had me laughing from the opening moments. The way the cast lean into multi roling is brilliant. One second they’re channelling Emma Thompson level heartbreak, the next they’re launching into a Liam Neeson parody (maybe one too many Taken references, but still hilarious). Every appearance of “Alan Rickman” is full Snape mode, which never got old.

Mishaps became part of the fun, with the cast embracing prop fumbles and costume slips through sharp improv that kept the audience on board. The rewritten Christmas classics are outrageous, playful and delivered with confidence. Some lyrics definitely fall into the “don’t listen with your nan” category.

A cast standout to me was Martha Pothen. Scene stealing every time she stepped on stage, with even the smallest mannerisms delivering some of the best laughs of the night.

The comedy is bold, modern and the right amount of naughty. Whether it’s your favourite Christmas film or one you only vaguely remember, the show stands on its own as a festive night out packed with silliness.

Playing at The Other Palace until 4 January 2026. A great choice for anyone wanting a fun, spirited and joyfully chaotic Christmas treat.