How To Date A Feminist is a role reversal which challenges your expectations as much as it entertains. It’s a romantic comedy, starring Emily Dennett as Kate and Dan Dryer as Steve who meet at a party: Kate is still heartbroken about her smooth ex before she encounters Steve who is a totally different sort of man to her usual type. The couple are on stage throughout the performance swapping roles and clothes with ease. Each actor plays the central character in the couple, their parents and an ex or two. Frequent costume changes make following the plot very easy.
Steve is a baker and a vegetarian who grew up on Greenham Common (home of the CND campaign) in a tent. Kate had a more traditional upbringing but don’t underestimate her father: he grew up in a refugee camp (the play’s author, Samantha Ellis, was the daughter of Iraqi-Jewish refugees).
Kate is a journalist led astray by wastrels in the newsroom. She comes to the party dressed as Wonder Woman. Steve is dressed as Robin Hood, “an ethical hero who invented the Welfare State”. Caroline Woodley is responsible for putting together the extensive wardrobe for the show, which is no mean feat.
Kate is madly in love with Heathcliff (from Wuthering Heights) and tends to date dark, smouldering types who make the first move and ravish her. She also likes lipstick and cupcakes. Steve on the other hand, dated Karina who is plain, worthy, works on her allotment and looks like she hasn’t changed her clothes since the 1970s.
As Kate and Steve’s relationship develops, they plan their wedding and hundreds of minute decisions await them like “ethical or devious confetti?”. They have an ingenious way of resolving their differences. Sparks fly, however, when Steve’s mum meets Kate’s dad and worlds collide.
Characterisation is good, direction is excellent and not easy, and the production is clever. You won’t forget Morag, Steve’s mother. A lot of the cameo parts are very effective – Karina and Ross inject humour to name but two, Kate’s dad is also entertaining and a bit of an enigma.
The play is directed by Mike Wells, written and adapted for stage by Samantha Ellis and produced by Wick Theatre Company which has been in the business of making plays for 76 years. Follow Wick Theatre Company on social media.
Southwick Barn Theatre, Wednesday 5th June 2024
Photos by Sam Taylor and Darcey Nixon
