Writer: Luka Costello
Directed By: Evan Sunderland
Prima Donna Collective’s strong debut production, If You Think This Show is About You, It Probably Is, follows writer and founder Luka Costello as she takes the audience on a sentimental journey through Dublin, visiting locations tied to her personal relationship history. Accompanied by co-founder Conrad Jones-Brangan, who provides vocals and accompaniment on piano and ukulele.
Performed at the New Theatre, the set evokes a nostalgic Y2K and early 2000s bedroom layout, featuring a pink and red colour scheme, fluffy cushions, iPod Nanos, and heart-shaped decor. A projector screen serves as a backdrop, displaying print work representing each location Costello’s anecdotes unfold in. Positioned stage left behind his keyboard, Jones-Brangan offers both musical and emotional support, his beautifully arranged compositions underscored by witty and charming commentary. The duo strikes a well-balanced rapport, complementing and uplifting each other throughout the performance.
A standout moment arrives midway when Jones-Brangan steps away from his keyboard to join Costello in a podcast-style segment reflecting on the time she confessed her feelings for him—only to be gently rejected. Pulling out a tape recorder with “receipts,” they lip-sync along to the recording, recreating a tender and humorous exchange. This genuine display of care and warmth encapsulates years of friendship and leaves the audience wishing for more scenes like this.
Costello deserves high commendation for her purely vulnerable performance of “emotional whiplash”. One imagines Costello is presenting a theatrical performance of her diary proclaiming stories of love, heartbreak, assault and affection. This piece is in every way a confessional style of theatre as Luka calls out the audience, her stage partner but most of all herself. This auto-biographical rom-com is an ode to our urban hometown summing up the hope that even with its flaws, if anyone can still love Dublin, Costello might receive the same love and acceptance someday.
Jones-Brangan shines as a natural comedian, skillfully commanding attention and knowing precisely when to step back and refocus it on Costello. Beyond his comedic timing, his musical talent crafts the perfect sonic backdrop, showcasing fanciful vocals and multi-instrumental prowess.
If You Think This Show Is About You, It Probably Is, offers high entertainment value with its brisk pace and constant engagement. However, its hybrid style—a mix of contemporary confessional theatre, podcast, stand-up, and cabaret—may leave audiences wondering what exactly they are watching. While all these forms are valid and enjoyable, their convergence here sometimes hinders full immersion. The non-linear narrative and episodic storytelling, jumping across locations and timeframes, feel better suited to a screenplay format rather than a stage production.
Nevertheless this intimate production is well suited to a young contemporary audience and was a delightful summer evening experience. Congratulations to all the cast and crew!
Ran Until 16th August 2025.
