Onstage Dating

In preparation for her show Onstage Dating, Bron Batten went on over 50 dates. After a surprise start, the show embarks on a re-cap of some of the more unique experiences in this experiment, and a chat about the worst dating experiences of the audience as well as courtship rituals through history.

The premise of Onstage Dating is that at each performance, devisor/performer, comedian Bron Batten has a real life date in front of the audience. At the final performance 33 year old, ginger-haired lawyer Greg was selected to be the date of the evening. Greg was initially a little shy, has a penchant for dark chocolate, red wine, beer and Bruce Springsteen, and the audience were thrilled to learn that not only is he based in Melbourne like Bron, but that they both have tickets to see Bruce Springsteen in Melbourne next week.

Using psychologist Arthur Aron’s questions for intimacy as a basis for conversation, the date goes through three stages, with each becoming increasingly more ‘intimate’. I wouldn’t want to ruin surprises for future runs of the show – but there are lots of unexpected moments and the very funny heroine is simply a delight.

Special mention to audience volunteer Jane, who read beautifully, and added to the fun.

Onstage Dating has been nominated for Best Theatre at Fringe World, which is very much deserved. Although it has closed in Perth, if you get a chance to catch this very funny, very quirky little show, grab it with both hands – and take a date.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Theresa Harrison