Theatre review: Love All, Assembly Roxy, Roxburgh Place

BIZARRE but true stories from the 19th century dealing with death and dismemberment are not normally fodder for comedy, but Love All manages to successfully combine the freakish with farce in this fast-paced feat.

By ALISON POLLARD-MANSERGH

Published 23rd Aug 2012, 15:43 BST

Love All

Assembly Roxy, Roxburgh Place

Star rating: * * * *

Based on the macabre story of Irish tennis legend, Vere St Ledger Goold, this slick comical two-hander showcases two impressively versatile performers. Tadhg Hickey and Aideen Wylde, who co-wrote the piece with director Donal Gallagher, play not only the two main protagonists, but joyously romp through the storyline swapping in and out of roles, differentiating each with tiny physical adjustments.

In a cleverly devised parallel layer, we witness the love/hate relationship of the two vaudevillian-style storytelling characters. Equally notable is Deirdre Dwyer’s economical set and costume design.

• Until Sunday