Words: Elodie Marriott 

4 stars 

Self-consciously cheesy and utterly uplifting, World’s Greatest Lover’s ability to endear us mortals rivals Cupid himself. 

The World’s Greatest Lovers are invited to perform at a concert held in a frantic effort to save Love. Easier said. Famous for his womanising, Casanova is summoned. As is the bondage-loving Marquis de Sade, extreme monogamy representative Romeo, and Cyrano de Bergerac is the icon of unrequited affection. 

There’s no love-shaming here, as the musical maintains that a healthy mix of all these styles is the cure. With the help of St Valentine, the romantics seek to remedy their toxicity through original and memorable songs. The cast have a great on-stage dynamic, and the quippy dialogue works well to make their characters distinctive: “I’ve got a date with destiny, and she’s bringing her roommate.” 

The views on NSYNC’s music videos must have surged during the preparation for this show as the boy band inspired choreography is emulated flawlessly. Every hip thrust and kiss blown into the crowd are performed with total commitment and enthusiastically lapped up by row upon row of theatre-goers. Hoping to cure her heartbreak, a lucky lady is serenaded on stage by the silk shirted and leather clad suitors. As she was clearly sweet on Romeo, consider their mission successful.

World’s Greatest Lover – The New Musical
Pleasance One, Pleasance Courtyard
18.00
21-24 Aug