Have you ever wished you could get to the bottom of exactly why you were ghosted after a date? Was it because you overshared? Did you speak with your mouth full? Or did you just… chase after a ping pong ball that wouldn’t stop rolling away? Detective Heartbreak’s Connor can relate! In this snappy, unique, and boldly unpredictable comedy presented by Student Theatre at Glasgow, Detective Heartbreak (Jake Thomson) investigates the romantic demise of Connor (Daniel Parrett) following a failed Hinge date, in an endeavour to bring him closure.
Thomson is absolutely hilarious as Detective Heartbreak, nailing the Southern detective persona with even greater accuracy than Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in Knives Out. His quick-witted interactions with the audience make us feel closely involved in the investigation, keeping us both captivated and wildly amused.
Parrett’s sustained energy is infectious, and is complemented by Tilly Mearns’ effortless comedic timing as Connor’s friend, Victor. Portraying an aspiring magician and a clown respectively, Parrett and Mearns create an absurd yet delightful dynamic as the pair struggle through the mess of Connor’s disastrous love life.
Amidst the chaos, Kathryn Kennedy’s composure and poise as Vanessa, Connor’s date, offers refreshing contrast, with her natural performance highlighting the insanity of the clowning and magic happening around her.
The space is used in a highly effective way; no area of stage is left unexplored and every audience member is included despite the challenges posed by thrust staging. The entire 50 minutes is cackle-inducing, brought to life by brightly coloured costume and props, clown make-up, consistently successful gags, and spontaneous audience participation.
The premise of Detective Heartbreak is brilliantly original, memorable, and relatable to many particularly in the opening scene, where Connor sobs along to Chappell Roan’s ‘Casual.’ Alas, we’ve all been there, haven’t we?
Detective Heartbreak has now finished its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Image by Elizabeth Bin, provided for press use.
