Writer: David Rawle
A pair of friends on a trip to Amsterdam, having a great time until they discover to their horror that they’ve caught feelings. Despite the anxiety, awkwardness and occasionally painful moments, the two have a fun-filled holiday (with the perfectly chosen McFly soundtrack in the romcommy montages). Only it can’t end in fun, can it? Or will they finally profess their love for each other and live happily ever after?
This is a perfect little gem, the kind that I always hope to discover when going to the Fringe Festival. A very sweetly wrapped two-hander – such lovable characters combined with such awkward, relatable feelings- I fell in love with the whole thing. Alison Kinlan and David Rawle bounce off each other beautifully, it’s genuinely hard to believe the will- they- won’t-they isn’t happening for real in front of the audience’s eyes.
Amsterdam is theatre stripped back to basics: people talking to each other. Having hysterical bouts of negative self-talk, poorly timed jokes and miscommunication – this is what life is. People yearning for each other whilst in close proximity – tension that keeps a stage alive and an audience hooked. Granted, it’s a show that has many elements that appeal particularly to me – Before Sunrise inspiration, a hilarious little karaoke scene of Vienna, all the way down to a Gilmore Girls reference. It received a deserved standing ovation, which I would’ve happily joined had I not been glued to my chair feeling a little heartsick, in the best possible way. I recommended it to friends immediately (though it’s unsurprisingly sold out for the rest of the run).
Was there anything I felt was missing? Anything that didn’t feel right? No. It was a perfect little slice of theatre. It deserves nothing less than five stars.
Runs Until 18th Sept 2025.
