LOVESTUCK AT STRATFORD EAST: A HILARIOUS, HEARTFELT ROM-COM WITH POP-ANTHEM FLAIR

By Kara Buffrey | @karabuffrey11 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Lovestuck is a joyful, riotous, and unexpectedly heartfelt musical that had me laughing from start to finish. Staged at Stratford East, it transforms the awkwardness of modern dating into a high-energy, laugh-out-loud spectacle that somehow manages to be both utterly absurd and deeply relatable.

The story centres around Lucy, a nurse navigating the chaotic world of online dating. When she meets Peter, a shy City worker, things seem to be going well—until an unfortunate bathroom incident during their first date sends the evening (and Lucy) spiralling in a completely unexpected direction. What follows is a madcap sequence of events that blends physical comedy with big musical numbers, all while capturing the vulnerability and hilarity of putting yourself out there in the dating world.

What makes Lovestuck shine is its brilliant balance of humour and humanity. Yes, the show leans into the farcical—a woman getting physically stuck in a window is, after all, its central image—but the characters are drawn with warmth and realism. Lucy isn’t just a punchline; she’s complex, kind, and instantly recognisable. Peter’s social awkwardness is endearing rather than clichéd. Their chemistry feels genuine, making us root for them even as the date becomes a disaster.

The performances are electric. Lucy’s actor brings terrific comic timing and a voice that soars, while Peter’s awkward charm hits all the right notes. A real standout is Lucy’s inner voice, personified by a powerhouse performer who struts across the stage as a sass-filled, no-nonsense alter ego. Her solo numbers are some of the show’s highlights—full of fire, flair, and killer vocals.

Musically, Lovestuck doesn’t aim for traditional show tunes. Instead, it goes for a contemporary pop vibe with anthems that could easily sit on a Spotify playlist. Some songs are catchy and cheeky, others surprisingly emotional. It’s this range—between the comedic and the sincere—that gives the show depth.

Visually, the production is inventive. The set moves seamlessly from restaurant to flat to bathroom mayhem, and clever lighting and staging keep the energy high. The choreography adds to the comedy, with dance numbers that lean into the surreal—cats, office workers, and inner voices all get their moment to shine.

What we loved most, though, was how Lovestuck captured something real underneath the laughs: that gnawing self-doubt we all carry, the desire to be loved despite our flaws, and the pure chaos of trying to connect with someone. It’s a celebration of imperfection, awkwardness, and the messiness of modern love.

If you’ve ever had a first date go wrong (who hasn’t?), or ever wished the ground would swallow you up after an embarrassing moment, this show will speak to you. Loudly. And with sequins.

In short: Lovestuck is hilarious, heartfelt, and refreshingly original. Go see it—you’ll laugh, you might cringe, and you’ll definitely leave smiling.

Lovestuck is running at Stratford East until Saturday 12 July.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars all around!

Photo Credit: Mark Senior