Reader Reviews
I Love You Because (Landor Theatre, Inner London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | A great effort by the Landor, and Robert McWhir, in bringing this quintessentially NYC show to London. The staging is amazing and the cast uniformly excellent with some truly bravura performances. I really would love to see it spread its wings and fly on a bigger stage, but I wonder if it is just too NYC for that? - rds | 19 Oct 07 |
| Am I the only one to surprised by all this gushing? It encouraged me to go and see it and be somewhat disappointed. I agree with the Evening Standard: rip-off Friends meets low budget Hollywood. All the characters except Marcy are stereotypes, it's too long and drags in the first act, and there's no nice uplifting finale, which we like in musicals. Also there are no memorable tunes. The cast is fantastic though, especially Jodie Jacobs, who is just fab. I'd go and see her anywhere. Daniel Boys lacks edge but at least he's cute. Still, anyone who thinks this mediocrity needs to be on in the West End needs their head examined. - Jenny Whelan | 11 Oct 07 |
| What a brilliant show. A witty script with plenty of laughter as well as touches of poignancy – the theme being something most people can identify with –the confusion between head and heart when it comes to falling in love. The whole cast are wonderful and work well together and Daniel Boys shows not only has he got a great voice but is a talented actor. Everything about this show is polished. The whole performance was a delight from start to finish – definitely a feel good show that you want to see again and I note from other reviewers on here I am not the only one! - Alice-Louise | 03 Oct 07 |
| Well, what can I say? Daniel Boys was truly brilliant throughout the show. This is the first time I have seen him portray a character in a show, excluding Sweeney Todd, and he was just spot on with great comic timing and he was the character. He displayed so many emotions in such a short space of time; happy, sad, mad, confused – the lot. His take on ‘geeky’ was perfect and he had control of the stage from his first entrance. The American accent was very ‘Sesame Street’ Bert and Ernie style but this suited the character and was not over the top or overpowering. There was no over acting and it was just a fantastic performance. Now to the singing – well again this was phenomenal right from the start. It wasn’t strained or under sung it was just perfect for this very intimate theatre experience. He was having fun throughout the performance and this came across to the audience and made us care what he was going through. The standout for me was the But I Don’t Want to Talk About Her song and scene – this was just perfection and really well played. Now, I’m a very fussy person when it comes to acting and Daniel’s was just great – very watchable, plenty of character, emotions and overall talent, star quality and charisma. The supporting players all did a very good job and I was impressed by them as I was worried that they would be amateurish but certainly not. To be honest, I preferred Debbie Kurup over Jodie Jacobs in terms of singing and acting but both did a very good job. Richard Frame was refreshing and certainly got into his character. If I did have to single out someone that it would have to be Daniel and I am not being biased. He held it altogether and even at times was scene stealing with his facial expression or just by his actions. I found Mark Goldthrop and Lucy Williamson a little over the top in their characterisations but it just showed how real the other acting was again brought some more humour into the story. This musical is very fresh, fast paced and well written. The scenes are not too long and it all moves very smoothly which reflects on the rehearsals and the performers themselves. When I first heard the soundtrack, I knew it wasn’t a ‘classic’ musical score but after several listens and now seeing and hearing them in context, it is a very clever score with some very touching songs. I enjoyed it so much that I am going twice again in October to pick up the pieces that I missed out on as there was so much going on and of course to support Daniel. Congratulations to the Director, Rob McWhir and the producer Josephine Buchan and to those at the Landor Theatre for bringing together a most enjoyable two hours and of course for bringing Daniel to the stage. - Adam Endacott | 03 Oct 07 |
| Nothing can prepare you for the size of the Landor theatre. I was expecting small, but not that small. The set was very cleverly laid out, Lucy Williamson and Mark Goldthrop did a fantastic job of scene changes as part of their ever changing roles. The story was very much like an episode of Friends or SATC, the characters were very likeable and you could see them evolve ever so slightly! Haven't we all at some point fell for the wrong person, yet thought they were right when prehaps the right person was there yet just seemed so wrong? Daniel was excellent as the geeky and structured Austin. He conveyed happiness, sadness, confusion, hurt and betrayal convincingly and I felt it with him. I have to say that the look on his face almost had me in tears when Marcy sang "Just Not Now." Jodie Jacobs was wonderful as the ditzy and indecisive Marcy. Her search for Mr Wrong leading her to find Mr Right without her knowing, until it was too late. Her Plea to Austin in the song "Even Though" was heartfelt. She played the vulnerability of her character well..How hard is it to put your heart on the line and to be rejected. I found myself willing them to sort it out. The other Mismatched couple, played by Richard Frame and Debbie Kurup made a comical duo. Diana's structured view on life the polar opposite of the free spirited Jeff, yet they find love through friendship....with benefits. It's comical that these two people so unlucky in love themselves are advising Marcy and Austin on their quest for love. For me there was not a weak link in the cast. This show will have you laughing, crying and will send you away with a warm fuzzy feeling. It's a must see, and I'm devastated that I won't be able to see it again. - Tanya | 02 Oct 07 |
| A top-notch cast, a top-notch director, a top-notch designer and a top-notch score. Jodie sings with such ease, from the softest tender moments to such a glorious emotional belt; Daniel Boys has a grin and a voice i could look at and listen to all night; Debbie Kurup's talent and looks are right up there and her handling of her solo number in Act 1 was faultless; Richard Frame - could he be any more loveable? And Mark & Lucy would steal the show if the 4 mains were any less able!! I loved the score; tuneful, emotional, funny and clever with gorgeous harmonies. A little piece of magic !!! - ML | 02 Oct 07 |
| What an absolutely brilliant show. The whole cast were fantastic, perfect in their respective roles and Daniel Boys as the 'geeky' Austin gave a wonderful performance, his acting and singing were top-notch. I'm going to see this again but I really hope that they can transfer this to the West End - it truly deserves it. - KayW | 30 Sep 07 |
| I have taken the Eurostar twice to see this fabulous musical and urge anyone with less far to go to rush to it. It blows most West End shows off the stage. The subject is relationships. We all know the rules, until life comes along and sweeps our theories away with the trash. Pure Jane Austen. Except we are in Manhatten, brillliantly evoked by Andy Edward's set. Two guys and two girls, Jeff (Richard Frame) and Diana (Debbie Kurup), laddish, pragmatic; Marcy (Jodie Jacobs) and Austen (Daniel Boys), romantic, naive, work out their romantic destinies, attended by a hilarious Greek chorus (Lucy Williamson, Mark Goldthorp), morphing between roles before blending into the action. It's unfair to single out any cast member, though Boys dominates proceedings sweetly, behind a fog of non-comprehension. The ensemble playing and vocal harmonies take your breath away and make you jump to your seat by the end. I would relish the seeing this on a larger stage, with the orchestra more visible and the cast miked up. This show HAS to transfer and would run for years, showcasing all kinds of exciting talent along the way. - T.P., Paris | 29 Sep 07 |
| I saw this treasure at the weekend and enjoyed every minute of it. What particularly struck me were how convincingly well-portrayed each character was - right down to their individual quirks. Daniel Boys was superbly engaging as a hapless, uptight, Republican 'stuffed shirt' (a bright orange one with a purple tie - if I remember correctly!). He has an extreme need for order, tidiness and continuity - and,needless to say is unlucky in love. Despite these factors he is oddly likeable and you are rooting for him increasingly as the story progresses. Jodie Jacobs was impressive as a flighty NY photographer with a predilection for unsuitable men. She reminded me of a younger, blond version of Didi Conn (Frenchie from the movie 'Grease' minus the irritating voice). Debbie Karup and Richard Frame provided the supporting 'mismatched' couple - she, an accountant who endeavours to conduct her relationships - well, like an accountant! Frame plays an amiable 'meat-head' who is rather like a cross between Joey from 'Friends' and 'the Mitchell brothers'! Lucy Williams and Mark Goldthorpe are hilarious as the cynical onlookers. The plot was simple but the repartee - charming and funny. My only criticism was that the L shaped audience configuration of this tiny theatre meant that much of the time I had a view of the performer's backs which being so close up, marred the view of the activity behind. This problem would be solved in a larger theatre. Please tell us a deserved transfer into a larger venue is on the cards? - Antonia | 28 Sep 07 |
| After seeing the Landor Theatre's wondrously spare rendition of Follies, I am bemused. Wht spend so much energy and resources on such middling fare as I Love You Because? This musical is smart without being clever, "sassy" and as a dated as a 15 year old copy of Vanity Fair. Rob McWhir and the cast are to be congratulated and Daniel Boys makes up for lack of vocal power with charisma, yet you feel that the applause is more for what they have done with the material than anything else. This is not a show that should be on at the Fringe. - William | 28 Sep 07 |
| After seeing the Landor Theatre's wondrously spare rendition of Follies, I am bemused. Wht spend so much energy and resources on such middling fare as I Love You Because? This musical is smart without being clever, "sassy" and as a dated as a 15 year old copy of Vanity Fair. Rob McWhir and the cast are to be congratulated and Daniel Boys makes up for lack of vocal power with charisma, yet you feel that the applause is more for what they have done with the material than anything else. This is not a show that should be on at the Fringe. - William | 28 Sep 07 |
| The designer's transformation of the tiny Landor is wonderous and the performances are all first class (though Daniel Boys makes a weak vocal start and takes 15 mins to get into his stride). The show is a bit too glib and slick in that NYC way, but still well worth the visit to Clapham. Another fine night at this very under-rated theatre. - Gareth James | 28 Sep 07 |
| I went to see the show tonight and was amazed at what was achieved in such a small place. The cast are very strong and was surprised with Daniel Boys. He came up trumps but has a great fix with Jodie jacobs. Debbie Kurrup as ever was fab and the band were fantastic in this little space that resembles a small sauna. Well done to all and am booking tickets to see next week. - Jules | 27 Sep 07 |
| An absolute delight! Funny, charming, sexy, touching.....this terrific little musical is directed with great panache by Robert McWhir, improving even on his triumphant Follies at this theatre last year, with fabulous choreography by Robbie O'Reilly and deceptively clever designs by Andy Edwards. The script is a little like a racier version of Friends, with the same irresistible combination of laugh-out-loud lines and heart-tugging moments, the tunes are really catchy, and the lyrics are often downright brilliant, evoking William Finn at his wittiest. To top it all off, the six strong cast simply couldn't be bettered:there's no more adorable couple on the London stage at the moment than Daniel Boys and Jodie Jacobs. Not since Our House have I felt an audience rooting so strongly for the central pairing: they are just perfect. Richard Frame and Debbie Kurup are also superb as their sidekicks, while Mark Goldthorp and the amazing Lucy Williamson are hilarious as a sort of Everycouple commenting on the action. The production values on this show are worthy of the West End, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it transfer. Just in case though, I'm booking to go again. An unmissable treat! - ajh | 24 Sep 07 |
| Trust me... I saw it in New York, you're in for a real treat. - Holly | 23 Aug 07 |
| I've heard some good things about this show. I can't wait 'til it opens!!! - London) | 22 Aug 07 |
