In the intimate setting of London's Theatre503, a compelling new one-woman show is unfolding, probing the dangerous edges of romantic fixation. Loop, written and performed by Tanya-Loretta Dee, presents a stark examination of when infatuation curdles into something far more sinister.
A Descent into Obsession
The narrative centres on Bex, a young woman whose life is divided between her day job at a party shop in Peckham and her vivid nocturnal sexual fantasies. Her world is irrevocably altered with the arrival of James, a man whose middle-class background and conventional career place him in a different social sphere entirely. Initially, he embodies Bex's fantasy prince, but as their relationship fractures, her internal world begins to warp dangerously.
Dee develops an intimate rapport with the audience, punctuating her monologue with witty asides. She skilfully conjures the other figures in Bex's orbit, particularly her harassed best friend, Greta, and her distant, disturbed mother, who emerges as one of the production's most intriguing characters. However, James remains a caricature—a brutish figure who is easy to dislike, a choice that unfortunately diminishes the dramatic heat and makes Bex's consuming infatuation harder to fully believe.
Stylistic Ambition Versus Performance
The production's technical elements work hard to establish a palpable sense of unease. Mydd Pharo’s set is an abstract wasteland, a barren space filled with long grass and grubby mattresses that creates a powerfully eerie mood. This is complemented by Cheng Keng's restless lighting design, which shifts and pulses throughout the performance.
Yet, there is a sense that these atmospheric contributions are not entirely matched by the central performance. Dee's delivery feels controlled, never quite surrendering to the wild, animalistic chaos that the script suggests is simmering beneath the surface. The production, directed by Sophie Ellerby, unfolds at a slight distance, holding back from plunging the audience fully into the heart of Bex's fevered psychological breakdown.
Promise Amidst the Restraint
Despite its reserved execution, Loop introduces very interesting ideas, particularly concerning the fine line between sexual desire and a darker, more untameable force. The concept of 'limerence'—the state of obsessive infatuation—provides a fascinating undercurrent to Bex's story as her fantasies turn inward, severing her connection to real life and those who care for her.
The show marks a promising debut for Dee, showcasing her ability to craft complex characters and explore challenging psychological terrain. With a push towards greater intensity and a willingness to fully embrace the script's inherent darkness, future iterations could unlock the wild potential currently glimmering just out of reach.
Loop is playing at Theatre503 in London until 29 November.
