Additional Writing and Story: Trent Dalton and Fiona Franzmann
Directed by Sam Strong
General Management by Alex Woodward and Sophie Watkins
for Woodward Productions on behalf of Brisbane Festival and QPAC
Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre to 27 September
Reviewed by Len Power 25 September 2025
‘Can you please tell me a love story?’ Journalist, Trent Dalton, spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD. Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them that one simple thing. Published in 2022, his collected ‘Love Stories’ has become a much-loved best-seller.
Produced by the Brisbane Festival and QPAC, the book is now on stage in a highly imaginative and unique production with a cast of 11.
Before the play begins, the theatre auditorium’s seats are seen in a live onstage projection. It’s a bit disconcerting suddenly seeing yourself larger than life sitting there. It’s a clever idea, reminding us that the play’s content has come from members of the public.
For lovers of the book, the content of multiple love stories comes as no surprise. All aspects of love are presented, many joyful and happy as expected, but there is sadness and heartbreak, too. Beautifully played by the cast, there is an extraordinary depth in their performances. In many cases, it’s gestures not words that are moving.
Jason Klarwein and Anna McGahan give fine performances as the journalist and his wife. The project of gathering love stories causes them to examine their own relationship. Rashidi Edward is Jean Benoit, a delightfully cheeky character who slips in and out of the action unfolding on the stage.
The 8 member ensemble play multiple characters of the stories. Some we get to know very well as the stories unfold. With no program or photographs, it is not possible to single out individual actors who deserved praise. All were effective in their roles.
As well as the fine acting, the strength of this production is in the staging by director, Sam Strong.. The use of video and projection, both live and pre-recorded, is fresh and imaginative. You quickly forget that it’s performed mostly on a bare stage with minimal props.
With it’s striving to present the voices naturalistically, there were times where the dialogue was too quick to catch what was being said and at other times the actors spoke so softly that they could not be heard at all, even though they were miked. Maybe this aspect would be better in a smaller auditorium that the Canberra Theatre.
As the 16th century French writer, Rabelais, once said, ‘Gestures, in love, are incomparably more attractive, effective and valuable than words.’ This charming production showed that his words still hold true today.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.
