What happens when you perform an autopsy on the body of the rom-com genre?

In this delightful show, staged by Lavender Collective, the audience is carried along by lovelorn Jessica’s attempts to solve her dating woes at the bottom of quirkily named cocktails, delivered by bartender-cum-cupid Drew. Naturally, Jessica's quest for romance is approached scientifically... surely the endless stories we’ve already been told must contain the solution?

Thankfully, instead of delivering cliché after cliché, Anatomy of a Rom-Com plays with the form, subverting expectations with charming results. As Jessica and Drew draw closer to a solution, they draw closer to each other – hilariously undercut by mischievous barflies who serve as proxies for the audience’s awareness of exactly what is unfolding.

Anatomy of a Rom-Com can be broken down into several core components. The strong bones are owed to tight writing and witty dialogue. The healthy organs are formed from careful deconstruction of classic tropes. The heart pulses with momentum, delivering blood to muscular physical comedy through committed, endearing performances that know exactly where the humour lies. And as with all good rom-coms, the soul is defined by the joy of experiencing the story, even when you know how it will end.

The production is modest but makes excellent use of space, timing and energy to ensure an hour in its company whistles by.

With Drew’s help, will Jessica land her man? Or will their chemistry uncover something new within the genre itself?

Let’s be honest. The true Anatomy of a Rom-Com isn’t found in surprises, but in reminding us of what we already know, delivered with a (lemon) twist. Come for the comedy, stay for the connection – Anatomy of a Rom-Com is a drink that goes down easily, leaving behind a refreshing aftertaste and a genuine smile.