Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me at The Edge
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Winner of the inaugural Women’s Prize for Playwriting in 2020, Amy Trigg’s debut play – Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me is a big-hearted and quick-witted work about a young woman navigating friendship, romance and spina bifida in a difficult world.
A big-hearted and quick-witted work about a young woman navigating friendship, romance and spina bifida
Described as “enormously entertaining” by The Guardian, Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me received rave reviews following its premiere at the Kiln Theatre, London in 2021. Now, the heartfelt, honest and humorous show heads out on tour – and luckily for us, calls in at The Edge, Chorlton for one date this autumn.
In the piece, skilled writer and performer Amy Trigg, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, plays a character called Juno, who also lives with the condition. Delivered in a bright, poetic style, no topic is off-limits in this upbeat and funny show. Recounting moments in her twenties, the play cleverly explores Juno’s interaction with the world, and more specifically her love life. Despite tackling some painful subject matter and emotional revelations, the show is warm and mischievous as Trigg tackles coming-of-age and experiences around school crushes, drinking and sex.
Directed by Charlotte Bennet, Trigg – playing multiple characters in Juno’s life – gives a charming, accomplished and commanding performance. Dispelling any pre-conceived ideas around what a ‘disability show’ should look like, Trigg is a ball of energy in a stylish brightly coloured suit with matching nails and lipstick. Guy Hoare’s lighting design creates an atmospheric backdrop and Elena Peña’s sound design propels the narrative along perfectly.
A must-see performance this October.
Through an insightful series of flashbacks and vignettes, Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me offers audiences an alternative view of the world – how disability can change the way your view relationships, mental health and religion. A must-see performance this October.
