Review – One Year Itch

⭐⭐⭐⭐

By Andreea Helen David

This one is one for the books! An Awkward Branch Production, which means diversity, sensitivity and quality, here comes “One Year Itch”, the comedy written and directed by Andrew Phipps starring Anca Vaida, offie veteran, multiple times winner of best actress award. The play, which has a large cast, revolves around Tania Hagi’s love life or lack thereof and very much feels like an American sitcom. The story line is simple, unsuccessful dating and multiple embarrassing situations. Anca’s character Tania navigates her year with confusion but  determination too. Alongside her, her sidekick and roommate Jayne, a perfectly cast Iona McTaggart. 

This is clearly a vehicle for Anca Vaida, the play is built to her strengths, she is on stage almost throughout without breaking a sweat or missing a beat.  The text is clever, funny (roars of laughter) but sometimes a bit clicheic. Other strengths, the fantastic stage design by Alice Catanzaro, the delightful soundtrack and the transitions are just glorious. Other shining qualities are the cast, close knitted and supportive of the main lady but Andrew gave them the chance to show what they can do and boy do they deliver, especially Kelly Craige playing Gillian Clark, she sings, she dances and steals scenes and Ozzy Algar, possessing the star quality required of them. 

This is a play of it’s time and place, this is London now and it’s a great way to know it/ come to terms with it. 

At Barons Court til 13th of January.

 Suitable for ages 16+

Tickets: £15 Standard, £10 Concessions (Students, unemployed, over 60s, NHS staff)