The theatre doors swing open on a day that will change two lives forever – or so the hopes are. In Tia-Renee Mullings's gripping new play, 'A to B', we're catapulted into the whirlwind world of blind dates, where a single misstep can send relationships spinning out of control. The Soho Theatre is abuzz with anticipation as we join Brianna and Armani on their respective journeys to self-discovery – or disaster?
The premise is all too familiar in today's swiping, dating-app dominated landscape: two people, meeting for the first time, with only a photograph to guide them. But Mullings's script nails the nervous energy, high-stakes excitement and gut-wrenching anticipation that comes with this leap of faith. Yet, as we follow Brianna (Zakiyyah Dean) and Armani (Sheyi Cole) through 80 minutes of mayhem, it becomes increasingly clear that their preparations for a night to remember are not going according to plan. From wardrobe malfunctions courtesy of overzealous siblings to disastrous hairdos born from last-minute barber cancellations, the mishaps pile up like autumn leaves in a south London park.
Behind the façade of carefully crafted images and anxiously polished profiles lies a more complex tapestry – one that Mullings skillfully weaves into her narrative. Dean's Brianna reveals glimmers of vulnerability as she yearns to be seen beyond the superficial, while Cole's Armani conveys a hope-filled longing for genuine connection in a world where appearances often rule supreme. These fleeting moments of introspection hint at a deeper exploration waiting to unfold – and leave us rooting for these lovelorn characters.
As time ticks by on the stage's screens, Dean and Cole take turns telling their tales with alternating beats of comedy and poignancy. Mullings's writing is a masterclass in lyrical storytelling, marrying spoken-word passages with rhythmic dialogue that crackle like champagne corks on New Year's Eve. The result is an immersive portrayal of life in south London – one that shines a vibrant light on British Jamaican culture.
While 'A to B' hits the mark on capturing the raw emotion and heart-stopping drama of modern romance, it's clear there's still room for growth – and perhaps a few more moments where our protagonists peel back their facades. But what we get is undeniably captivating – an authentic tale that showcases the best (and worst) of British love stories.
Source: Soho Theatre