"I Do" Review – A Genuinely Heart-Wrenching Exploration of Wedding Day Drama
A new production of Dante or Die's poignant play has taken up residence at a Malmaison hotel in London, reminding us that even the most joyous celebrations can hide deep-seated family turmoil. Daphna Attias and Terry O'Donovan's masterpiece captures the final 10 minutes before Georgie and Tunde tie the knot, exposing the messy emotional landscape of their lead-up to the big day.
The show cleverly employs a site-specific format, dividing the audience into groups and shuttleing them between six rooms in different orders. This creates an immersive experience that draws us into the intimate moments leading up to the ceremony, from spirited bridesmaids dancing on a bed to surreptitious affairs and last-minute cold feet.
As we navigate each room, we're treated to a stunning array of performances, with standout moments including a heart-wrenching encounter between Georgie's mother, Helen, and her unfaithful ex-husband, David. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and the writing by Chloë Moss expertly conveys the anguish and insecurity that often accompany love.
One of the most striking aspects of "I Do" is its thoughtful exploration of different relationships and identities within the wedding party. From the fabulously antsy best man Joe to Georgie's grandparents, who struggle with their ailing father's vulnerability, the play deftly captures a range of emotions that add depth and nuance to the narrative.
The production design by Jenny Hayton is equally impressive, cleverly juxtaposing the corporate kitsch of the wedding package world with the personal detritus of its characters. Attias' direction allows for moments of stillness, where emotions evolve through subtle looks between characters, touches, and tiny shifts in expression.
If there's a flaw to be found, it's perhaps in the use of a returning cleaner who serves as a narrative device – a bit corny, even clichéd at times. However, this minor quibble is easily forgiven when considering the overall impact of "I Do". By the end, you'll care for almost every character, laughing and crying alongside them as they navigate the complexities of love, family, and identity.
In short, "I Do" is a genuinely heart-wrenching exploration of wedding day drama that's both wonderful and ridiculous in equal measure. If you're looking for a show that will leave you feeling emotionally drained but ultimately uplifted, then this is an experience not to be missed.
A new production of Dante or Die's poignant play has taken up residence at a Malmaison hotel in London, reminding us that even the most joyous celebrations can hide deep-seated family turmoil. Daphna Attias and Terry O'Donovan's masterpiece captures the final 10 minutes before Georgie and Tunde tie the knot, exposing the messy emotional landscape of their lead-up to the big day.
The show cleverly employs a site-specific format, dividing the audience into groups and shuttleing them between six rooms in different orders. This creates an immersive experience that draws us into the intimate moments leading up to the ceremony, from spirited bridesmaids dancing on a bed to surreptitious affairs and last-minute cold feet.
As we navigate each room, we're treated to a stunning array of performances, with standout moments including a heart-wrenching encounter between Georgie's mother, Helen, and her unfaithful ex-husband, David. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and the writing by Chloë Moss expertly conveys the anguish and insecurity that often accompany love.
One of the most striking aspects of "I Do" is its thoughtful exploration of different relationships and identities within the wedding party. From the fabulously antsy best man Joe to Georgie's grandparents, who struggle with their ailing father's vulnerability, the play deftly captures a range of emotions that add depth and nuance to the narrative.
The production design by Jenny Hayton is equally impressive, cleverly juxtaposing the corporate kitsch of the wedding package world with the personal detritus of its characters. Attias' direction allows for moments of stillness, where emotions evolve through subtle looks between characters, touches, and tiny shifts in expression.
If there's a flaw to be found, it's perhaps in the use of a returning cleaner who serves as a narrative device – a bit corny, even clichéd at times. However, this minor quibble is easily forgiven when considering the overall impact of "I Do". By the end, you'll care for almost every character, laughing and crying alongside them as they navigate the complexities of love, family, and identity.
In short, "I Do" is a genuinely heart-wrenching exploration of wedding day drama that's both wonderful and ridiculous in equal measure. If you're looking for a show that will leave you feeling emotionally drained but ultimately uplifted, then this is an experience not to be missed.
it's so true how even on what seems like the happiest day can be hiding deep family drama 
anyone else have a wedding party that was more drama than joy? 
my sister's wedding was literally so dramatic with her sister-in-law being super mean to her 
. AND THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE ACTORS IS LIKE BUTTER, YOU CAN FEEL THE ANGER AND SADNESS AND LOVE ALL AT ONCE 
. IT'S NOT PERFECT, BUT WHO NEEDS PERFECTION WHEN YOU'VE GOT A HEART-WRENCHING STORY TO TELL!!!
I think what struck me about this play is how it tackles the messy side of relationships, even on the most joyful of occasions like weddings 
. It's so easy to get caught up in all the romance and happiness, but "I Do" shows us that there's often more to it than meets the eye 
. And can we talk about the acting? 
Those performances are top-notch! The way the chemistry between the actors is palpable... it's just magic 
.
Just be prepared to feel all the feels... 
... and yeah, the writing by chloë moss was solid, but not exactly groundbreaking 
.
just saw the latest climate change report and it's like, we're officially running out of time 
if governments don't get their act together, we'll be facing some serious heatwaves in the next few decades 
anyway, back to wedding drama... who needs that kinda stress when you've got a planet on fire?
anyway, just go see it, trust me you won't regret it 
] 
but honestly, who cares? It's a masterpiece and I'd see it again in a heartbeat 
I just watched "I Do" at Malmaison hotel and it was so emotional! 
I loved how the play showed the complexities of family relationships and love on a wedding day. It's like, you're celebrating this person getting married, but also dealing with all these personal issues that make you go "oh no". 
The actors did an amazing job bringing their characters to life, especially the way Helen and David interacted was just heartbreaking 
. And I loved how the play poked fun at the corporate side of weddings too - it felt really real and relatable. 
The only thing that bugged me a bit was the cleaner storyline, but overall it was such a powerful and uplifting show that I'm still thinking about it days later 
.
The way they used the site-specific format was pure genius, made me feel like I was right there with Georgie and Tunde on their big day. And that heart-wrenching encounter between Helen and David? 
, I mean who wouldn't want to sit in a room with antsy best man Joe and Georgie's grandparents struggling with their dad? 
. The way they told the story of Georgie and Tunde's wedding day was so raw and emotional, it felt like I was right there with them. The actors were amazing, especially Helen and her ex-husband David - their chemistry on stage was insane 
.
. but what really got me was the way they tackled different relationships & identities within the wedding party - it was so raw & real 
it's like they're talking straight to our hearts! 