In a league of its own
Darkly comedic dramas exploring the turbulent sex lives, friendships and familial ties of neurotic young women have become rather popular in recent years. Tanya-Loretta Dee’s debut full-length play, Loop, directed by Sophie Ellerby, is the latest in a long line of such productions. A one-woman show, slipping between surreal fantasy and bleak reality, Loop is an unflinching portrayal of a woman struggling to break free from toxic cycles – both within her relationships and her own mind, writes Melina Block.
Dee stars as the obsessive Bex, a party shop worker who becomes embroiled in an affair that threatens to completely derail her – already shaky – life. As Bex’s friends and mother grow increasingly frustrated, so does the audience. The more that is revealed about Bex’s childhood, the more we sympathise for her. But Dee is careful to never lean too far in any direction, Bex is always afforded autonomy; she is more than a victim of her childhood and the manipulative, neglectful men that have defined her sense of self. By centring Bex’s voice, Dee allows for a nuanced investigation into the narratives we construct to both justify and prolong our own suffering and mistakes.
What really stands out about this play is how much depth is given to the smaller moments that end up forming one’s life. Rather than one tragic, dramatic inciting incident, Dee focuses on several subtle, everyday moments and decisions. The result is a play that, despite several references to fairytale creatures and mythical lore, is brutally realistic. The pitiful truth of Bex’s situation is made even more depressing because it is so recognisable.
Dee’s acting is so natural that by the time the lights go down, you will want to go and ask her how the story ends, before remembering that she actually was just playing a character. Tightly-paced and sharply funny, this play is completely enthralling from beginning to end. As far as female-centred dark comedies go, Loop is in a league of its own.
Theatre 503 until 29th November.
Booking and full details: https://theatre503.com/whats-on/loop/
