I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

Book by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts
UCLU Musical Theatre Society
C too

Wet Wet Wet once said that love is all around us, but how often do we take a moment to step back and scrutinise what that red-hearted rollercoaster means to us all? It can be fun, fulfilling or full of happiness and UCLU Musical Theatre Society’s adaptation of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is certainly all of the above.

A musical collage of love scenes from the daunting dates of your early teens to the search for love in your old age plays out through a superb score by Jimmy Roberts. We meet parents that just want time alone, a girl who is forever the bridesmaid and an elderly couple that just want to make the most out of their years left on earth.

It is an upbeat and hysterical production that will have even the less avid musical fans chuckling away. The cast, made up of current UCL students, are staunch professionals throughout and they’re energy can be felt from the opening chord to the final cadence of this romantic montage musical.

The staging is minimal and, although at times there are small teething problems with scene transitions, William Quinn's direction is simplistic and fluid. The comic timing is superb and with songs such as “Why? Cos I’m a Guy!” and “Marriage Tango” there are puns, jokes and gags a plenty. The lighting of the show is in no way small-scale however, with a superb array of colours and patterns flooding the stage by lighting designer Michael Bewsey.

With every actor playing many characters, the full ensemble really do shine from the opening number. However, Miranda Evans must be applauded for her superb comic acting that would give Karen Dunbar a run for her money. Even during times of emotive dialogue, Evans is able to bring the audience alive with just a cock of the head or a well-placed facial expression.

UCLUMTS' I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a musical rom-com that will make any musicals fan weak at the knees and while it constantly tugs on the heart strings you will need a tissue to wipe away tears of both hilarity and heartbreak.

Reviewer: Liam Blain

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