Per-Verse is showing at the Riverside Studios in London from 3rd – 19th April 2025. For more information and to book tickets, click here
https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/per-verse-160739/
Per-Verse originated from individual poetry pieces based on your real-life experiences. How did you go about transforming those stand-alone stories into a cohesive, theatrical journey?
It was definitely a challenge at first, as we wanted the poetry sections to have their own
identities, without confusing the overarching story. My director, Ilya Wray, was amazing at helping figure this out and that the best solution is often the simplest one. Each piece emphasised a particular one of the five senses, so that provided a framework. We realised that we could pair each poem and its ‘sense’ with a different location and the phases of the date: the bar, the taxi, the flat and its different rooms. Lighting and soundscapes then helped emphasise these transitions and make it a cohesive journey.
The show explores the highs and horrors of dating in the digital age. Were there any particular encounters or “ghosts of dating past” that you found especially challenging – or cathartic – to put on stage?
For sure – there are two particular poems which tell events that are very… intimate! I still
catch myself going “am I really sharing this publicly?!” But I think having the rhyming
structure is super useful in that respect, as it sort of gives you license to embrace the cringe and share more personal details than I’d usually feel comfortable to. It’s always pretty cathartic to laugh at yourself.
Blending stand-up, spoken word, and physical performance is such a dynamic mix. How do you approach balancing those different styles in one show, and was there one that felt most natural to you?
The show was born out of poetry pieces I’d performed at events prior, so they felt most
natural to me. I was a bit hesitant to call the show stand-up because I’ve never performed at a “classic” stand-up night and have felt terrified at the idea – however, whenever people have seen me live or in clips they always call it that first, so I’m leaning into it! During Edinburgh Fringe, I played with more audience interaction and found I really enjoyed that element. Ilya has also performed, written and directed a real mix of genres for theatre and screen, so having his eye was invaluable in navigating the blend and finding more moments of physical comedy.
Per-Verse has been described as a ‘fiercely feminist anthem.’ What does feminism mean to you within the context of dating, storytelling, and owning your narrative on stage?
I think dating can force you to be quite self-reflective and sharpen the view on our private vs public identities. That naturally resonates quite a lot with feminism and the freedoms and vulnerabilities in our experiences. It’s about being bold and brave, learning what you want and don’t want. It can be a real nightmare of course, and there’s an element of artifice with online dating particularly – but it’s also an opportunity to big yourself up a bit, allow someone else to find you impressive or funny, and follow the fun of the in-the-moment unknown. The same can be said for performing on stage. For me, dating has been more liberating than stifling; often the most connective part of it is in the joy of sharing the stories rather than the dates themselves, and the value of that shouldn’t be undersold.
Comedy about dating often risks falling into clichés or stereotypes. How did you ensure Per-Verse stayed fresh, self-aware, and meaningful while still keeping the audience laughing?
I never really set out to make a show about dating, it was more a theatrical window into
some of my more ridiculous moments and a way to explore identity and a slice of modern city life. The anecdotes and tone of voice are completely true to myself. I also think being playful with the form of storytelling, and the blend of dad-joke puns, heightened language and flirty sensibility makes it a unique theatrical experience.
After the success at Edinburgh and now bringing the show to London, what do you hope audiences take away from Per-Verse especially those navigating their own chaotic modern love lives?
You know the moment you put the key in your door and the music in your headphones gives you a moment of sensory overload? A bit like that but coupled with a nice ‘I’m home’ feeling. Hopefully they take comfort in some of the relatable moments and embrace the sport that is flirting (and being the best, cringe you). Most importantly, I just want them to have a really fun time on a date with me! And then tell all their friends and family how great I am and that they should date me too…