What can happen when we put our faith in love?

And what are the possibilities when we say yes to new things? David Eldridge's Beginnings is a window into those questions. 

Directed by Viki Betts, the play explores the hopes and fears of two people, Danny (Chris Gilbey-Smith) and Laura (Cheryl Laverick), in the aftermath of Laura's party. 

Laura is clear about what she wants: a happy marriage, children, and the traditional happily-ever-after.

She is tired of being the single friend, and Danny could be her solution.

Directed by Viki Betts, the play explores the hopes and fears of two people, Danny (Chris Gilbey-Smith) and Laura (Cheryl Laverick), in the aftermath of Laura's house-warming party (image via Richard Smith)

Danny, however, is 'out of practice' in love, making it clear that he 'has not done this for a while.'

His nervousness is apparent from the very start of the play, when he spills ketchup down his top, a stain that remains on his shirt throughout and acts as a reminder of the silly things we do in front of those we like.

Staged at Laura's modest but charming, fairy-lit apartment in London, the two begin to unravel each other's pasts, fears and dreams.

advertisement

The freest we see them is when they are both dancing to their favourite songs - a sequence that does go on a little too long.

Nevertheless, it depicts the awkwardness of revealing our truest selves and being brave in the face of uncertainty.

Danny is divorced and a father to a daughter, whom he never gets to see. 

Bringing them together is the fact that they are both lonely, yearning for something more in their lives, a connection, a new beginning (image via Richard Smith)

Hence, his fears around starting a new family, especially with a stranger. 

Laura is a headstrong woman, in a good job, with a nice flat, while Danny lives with his mum and nan.

Bringing them together is the fact that they are both lonely, yearning for something more in their lives, a connection, a new beginning.

At an hour and forty minutes, the audience is captivated by the world of this pair, without interruption. 

advertisement

The result is an intensity that reflects the character's emotional tension, sustaining the audience's attention throughout. 

In the modern age of online dating, it is refreshing to see the Loft bring to life a story that makes faith and hope in love feel real, leaving the audience to reflect on their own chances of new beginnings.

Beginning is showing at Leamington's Loft Theatre until Saturday 4 October (image via Richard Smith)

Beginning is showing at Leamington's Loft Theatre until Saturday 4 October.

Tickets are available via The Loft Theatre's box office.

For more information and booking details, visit here, email [email protected], or call 01926 830 680.