Reviewed by: Fringefeed
Review by Marguerite Jordaan | 16 January 2021

Exposing the quirks of modern-day romance in all its right-swiping glory and proving that dating isn’t always what it’s cut out to be, 250 First Dates sheds light on the ups and downs of love, sex and everything in-between - all through the eyes of a moderately fed up Twenty Something.

Hilariously relatable for anyone who has ever lived to tell the tale of an unfortunate Tinder date, Tania transports the audience across the continents as she recounts tales of her dating trials and tribulations.

From awkward teenage dates to her first hookup in a foreign city - it’s all laid bare as she travels the world and familiarises herself with every dating approach known to man (or woman). Thanks to her newfound confidence, she finds new sparks and reignites old flames. 

You’ll join her as she cries through teenage heartbreak and laughs about failed one night stands, grappling with self-doubt and anxieties before finally accepting herself. After all, love yourself first, right?

Perhaps the best part of this show is the sheer vulnerability, the exposure of those tricky parts of finding love (and finding oneself) that we don’t often like to share. The cry-on-the-couch, Ben and Jerry’s in hand kind of moments. The ‘am I even worthy of being loved?’ kind of moments. All those unwelcome feelings and silencing of the inner voice before finally realising you’ve got to love yourself before you can love somebody else. But don’t worry, there might just be a spontaneous burst of song and dance to break up that all-too-touching moment. 

250 First Dates is simple yet satisfying. Unfortunately, there were a few forgotten lines and production stumbles which left parts of the story to be desired, but ultimately a well-planned and thoughtfully executed performance with just the right amount of quirks along the way. 

If you’ve ever felt excessively unlucky in love, this show might just change your mind.