One Year Itch – Awkward Branch Productions / Barons Court Theatre, London

Awkward Branch Productions make a first foray from film to theatre with One Year Itch, the story of Tania and her apparently cursed love life.

One Year Itch

Things could be better for Tania on a few fronts.  It’s not that long since she had a bad breakup.  She knows what her dream job is, and it’s not her current one.  At least she has best friend and housemate Jayne (Iona McTaggart) to commiserate, share a face mask or spend a night at the cinema with.  Shame she’s straight (probably).  But after a string of first dates and encounters go nowhere Tania (Anca Vaida) has to wonder: did she curse herself when she said she would go a year without sex if she could just have that promotion?

One Year Itch, a new work by Andrew Phipps, follows the highs and lows of this year in Tania’s life.  We see Tania at work with the overbearing Betty (Tizzy Kanouche). Go with her on dates with straying Freya (Susan Hoffman), Louisa (Jhané Gibson) who’s more curious than serious, or at home with madcap mother and daughter Tilly (Buddleia Maslen) and Beryl (Jean Woollard). Two things are certain: if she could just meet actress Vitoria de Luca (Ozzy Algar) they would be a perfect match; and things with her ex Gillian (Kelly Craige) are done for good. Nothing’s ever really certain though, is it?

The Highs and Lows of Modern Dating

Phipps’ play brings to life modern singledom in all its glory. Or lack thereof.  It’s a fun, witty play which doesn’t take itself too seriously.  There are some great performances packed into the intimate underground space of Baron’s Court Theatre, particularly from McTaggart. Craige in a secondary role as a po-faced waitress is also a scene-stealer.  Vaida has the lion’s share of the work, and keeps the energy up throughout.  One half of Awkward Branch Productions, she is also Movement Director, and thus must be at least partly behind the scene changes which see the cast dance, crawl and twirl in with props each time (along with Craige as Choreographer).  It’s a bold choice which adds to the sense of fun, and gives the all female and non-binary cast more stage time.

Also playing a double role is Phipps, who directs.  For a play which a simplistic view would say is about a year’s sexual frustration there is plenty of light and shade, desire and attraction balanced with some of the challenges of lesbian courtship.  One Year Itch has definite potential, and I hope it will have legs after this short run rather than (heaven forbid) being left on the shelf. Particularly as all shows are now sold out!

Salterton Arts Review’s rating: 3.5/5

One Year Itch on until 13 January 2024.  More information or check for late availability here.