Review: For the Lack of Laura (Shaw Theatre)

Review by Dan Ghigeanu

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Time travel, heartbreak, and a villain worthy of a Disney fairy tale – For the Lack of Laura arrives at London’s Shaw Theatre with flair, following its 2024 debut in Galway. The production is a bold blend of science fiction, romance, and moral reckoning, more like Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Doctor Who, with a twist of pantomime menace and emotional depth. Created by Kurt Rosenberg, with direction and musical direction by Luke and Jake Morgan, the show weaves a poignant tale about what it means to love without fear of heartache.

At the centre of this bittersweet journey is Laura, played by Jane Patterson, a restless young girl from a quiet Irish town who dares to dream beyond the borders of her provincial life. Jane Patterson’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, layering the character with vulnerability, longing, and, at times, sheer recklessness. Her voice is powerful, emotive and guides the audience through every twist and turn of the plot, making each of her solos and duets both intimate and soaring.

The show’s premise is built on a time travel curse placed upon Laura by Gwendolethe, a wicked witch and the show’s antagonist, played to perfection by Mo Lombardo. This evil witch curses Laura with the ability to travel through time, promising her love on the condition that once Laura has found true love she will age normally, but her lover will live for eternity. Mo Lombardo's Gwendolethe is a treat to watch, evoking both menacing charm and the kind of over-the-top villainy we rarely see done with such delight. Her wicked laugh could rival that of the Wicked Witch of the West, and her presence adds a wonderfully sinister edge to the show.

The time-travel element, facilitated by a magical, box-like portal, allows Laura to explore different historical periods in locations like New Orleans, Madrid, and Moscow, with time ranges from the 1800s to the present day. It’s here where Laura meets her five potential suitors: Salvador (Keith Hanley), Crae (Toby Kaye), Louis (Finn O’Callaghan), Mikail (Barra Convery), and Allan (Lenny Turner). Each of them brings a unique dynamic to the table, with Laura’s chemistry with them ranging from charming to, well, a bit too manipulative. The tension builds as she flits through time, knowing full well that every choice she makes comes with consequences.

For the Lack of Laura shines in its exploration of the dangers of playing love as a game, especially when the stakes are as high as eternity. Laura’s journey is an emotional rollercoaster, and as she learns the hard way, you can’t always control who you love. In a particularly heart-wrenching turn, helped by costume designer Margarita Belova, Laura’s colourful, vibrant green dress begins to fade as her moral compass disintegrates, until she’s left in a black dress, showcasing the emptiness she feels inside. But, as in all great love stories, redemption is found when she ultimately reconnects with her true love, bringing colour and hope back into her life.

But perhaps the true heart of the show comes from Emma Daly’s portrayal of Maggie, Laura’s best friend. Initially dismissive of love, believing that her time has passed, Maggie is the show’s relatable, grounded character. Daly’s comedic timing is impeccable, and her transformation from the sceptical friend to someone who unexpectedly falls in love is both touching and humorous. Her chemistry with Brian May as Patrick, her eventual love interest, provides the perfect counterbalance to Laura’s often chaotic romantic adventures.

With its clever set, rich musical score, and a cast that pulls you into a whirlwind of time travel and love, For the Lack of Laura is a musical that dares to ask: can we control love, or are we simply at the mercy of it? The show’s attention to detail, like Laura’s fading dress and its eventual return to colour, adds layers of visual symbolism that deepen the emotional impact of the story. The show is beautifully accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra, whose great melodies give life to the emotional beats of the story. The score, rich and varied, pulls the audience through the highs and lows of Laura’s time-bending journey. The musical direction is masterful, and each song resonates with the audience, heightening the stakes of Laura’s decisions.

At its core, For the Lack of Laura is about the messiness of love and how it can uplift us, disappoint us, and ultimately teach us that some things are simply out of our control. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a sceptic of love’s many pitfalls, this show will leave you reflecting on your own heart’s journey through time.

Ultimately, For the Lack of Laura is a bold, new musical that explores timeless themes of love, choice, and fate, all wrapped up in a package of delightful fantasy and charming characters. Its bittersweet ending is a poignant reminder that love, however elusive or painful, is worth every sacrifice. Kurt Rosenberg’s script and music bring depth and charm to this unique narrative, reminding us that love, no matter how fantastical the setting, is never without risk. The show leaves you thinking long after the final curtain falls, and one can only hope it returns to London before too much time passes but I am willing to wait an eternity for its return.

For the Lack of Laura plays at the Shaw Theatre until August 2nd

For tickets and information visit https://shaw-theatre.com/whats-on/for-the-lack-of-laura

Photos by Brigid Vinnell