Dedications

Just met somebody? Out of love, or in the best relationship of your life? Well thankfully, in the name of the father, the love struck son and the divorce culprit, The Love God is here to help. 

Anthony Harkin’s cabaret Dedications strings together multiple love stories and heartaches via Richard Mercer’s radio program Love Song Dedications. Six characters who find themselves in and out of love call in and request a song to be shared to the nation as a means to share their story. 

The show was far from extravagant with just one actor in the tiny space of the Hayes Theatre with minimal set, accompanied by just piano and cello. Yet John O’Hara’s charisma filled the space entirely. He portrayed all six characters with complete conviction from senior citizen Frank to obsessive teenage fangirl Josie. His high energy and clever comic timing made it a relief that no other actors would be stealing his spotlight. 

Classic love songs from Whitney Housten and Leonard Cohen to contemporary hits from Taylor Swift and Katy Perry were contextualised within these stories and made for wide audience appeal. O’hara’s voice proved versatile enough to switch between both male and female ranges with apparent ease. 

Eventually these independent characters’ stories intertwine in unexpected ways, which make us realise how universal the theme of love really is. Hilarious, entertaining and poignant theatre. 

Emma Squires