Review: HOW TO FIGHT LONELINESS, Park Theatre
How to Fight Loneliness opens with a slow and uncertain start, where the characters feel more like placeholders than fully embodied people. Early on, performances fall into the trap of playing emotional states rather than living them, which might be a result of either overly ambitious writing or a cast still searching for the depth the script demands.
The pacing struggles most in Act 1, particularly as the show lingers too long in a guessing game surrounding a mysterious invitation. The reveal, when it comes, has little impact - partly because the audience has likely already put the pieces together.
Thankfully, momentum builds after this reveal. Characters finally begin to express what they've been holding back, and the emotional stakes rise. Morgan Watkins’ entrance injects much-needed energy into the dynamic; their consistent physicality and vocal choices offering a refreshing change from the otherwise repetitive dialogue. That said, the script often loops back on itself, especially in Act 2, when conversations are reiterated without new insight or emotional shift.
Tonally, the production feels uncertain - caught between comedy and drama, but not fully committing to either. This indecision leaves the audience in limbo. There are moments when comedy could have flourished, but the asides and tonal swings aren’t fully earned.
Directorial choices lean towards the predictable, and pacing issues cause the show to feel like it is constantly slipping off the plate.
The romantic subplot, while potentially interesting, feels sudden and underdeveloped, lacking the groundwork to be truly convincing.
Overall, How to Fight Loneliness has a strong concept and moments of promise - especially with the dynamic potential Of its trio of characters - but its execution falters. With tighter pacing, clearer tonal direction, and deeper character grounding, this show could grow into something memorable. As it stands, it sits somewhere in the middle.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Beatriz Ferreira
How To Fight Loneliness plays at London’s Park Theatre until 24 May, with further info at the link below:
https://parktheatre.co.uk/event/how-to-fight-loneliness/
Photo credit: Mark Douet