LOOP at Theatre503 Review
Written by Becky for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Described as a “surreal one-woman fever dream,” SH Productions brings LOOP to Theatre 503. Written and performed by Tanya-Loretta Dee, her debut play is a hugely entertaining blend of folk tale, horror, and comedy that explores obsessive behaviour and how it affects one’s relationships.
The narrative follows Bex, who works for minimum wage at a party shop and can’t help but fantasise about a man who comes into the shop, James. As her relationship with James progresses, she falls into old habits, and her grip on reality begins to unravel.
Designed by Mydd Pharo, the set resembles a gothic folk tale. Exposed brick and layers of ripped wallpaper form the backdrop, accompanied by wheat growing around the stage and a woodland floor. The main props are a deconstructed mattress, dirtied with soil, and a wooden throne—symbolic of the two halves of Bex’s personality: her perception of herself as a fantastical queen, and the reality of her situation and relationship. Pharo’s set is rich in texture and creates an aesthetically pleasing blend of fantasy and reality.
Dee is an immensely likeable performer and naturally very funny. A combination of sharp wit and physical comedy shapes her performance. Particular giggles came from her reenactments of her fantasies with James. Dee prowls around the stage with antlers on her head, narrating her movements like an extract from a romantic fantasy novel. This is an enjoyable nod to popular smutty fantasy series such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, which makes Dee’s performance feel even more relevant.
As Bex’s mind starts spiralling, Dee’s performance becomes increasingly intense. Her stories grow darker, and she adds a compelling layer of complexity to Bex’s character. We see how desperately Bex wants to break her obsessive cycle around men, and Dee sensitively explores how seemingly small incidents—such as a text or a friend’s comment—can fuel these tendencies. This is well handled and leaves the show on a reflective note.
Performing at Theatre 503 until 29 November, LOOP is a brutally honest, self-reflective piece in which Dee’s varied narrative voice engages throughout, complemented by a production that is intricate in its detail.
★ ★ ★ ★
