Love Is … a many-splendored evening with an epic cast of versatile performers. Combining live music, dance, musical theatre and comedy, this engaging show offers a plethora of wonders for everyone – ballet and contemporary dance, aerial Lyra and boylesque, musical theatre and ostrich feathered showgirls. The talented company sing and dance their way through an impressive amount of material.

Epic Entertainment provides us with an evening of light hearted meditations on the intangible qualities of love. At times hilarious, as in the duet ‘Love is a Risk,’ brilliantly executed by Joshua Dickson and Gemma Rae Dudson, dipping into nostalgia with ‘Love is Regret,’ choreographed and poignantly danced by Gemma Rae Dudson, and fiercely romantic in ‘Love is Romance,’ an expressive acrobalance adagio performed by Amy Leigh Broadstock and Paul Brown, Love Is… explores the mystery that is love.

A seductive tango duet, feisty contemporary choreography and impressive lifts are effectively interspersed with musical theatre and physical comedy. Exceptional standouts include the ‘Love is Frustration’ duet sung by Jasmine Webster and Chris McRae, who perfectly and endearingly perform ‘Anything you can do’ followed by ‘Let’s call the whole thing off’ and live piano accompaniment by Max Tocker peppered throughout the show. The exceptional polish and extraordinary technique of Katie Hurst Saxton and Gemma Rae Dudson make these two dancers genuinely shine. Joshua Dickson and Josh Johnson contribute a healthy dose of raunchy physical comedy.

Gorgeously creative costuming by Sue Mckenzie enhances each performance. Particularly effective are the champagne bubble ballet tutus, the flamboyant ostrich feather show girl dresses and the wide flexible hoop skirts.

Love Is… takes us on a wild ride through the many facets of that elusive emotion. Director Ali Rees makes the best of an exceptionally long and exceedingly narrow stage, though you will want to arrive early and score a seat in the centre. 

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