Love and Other Promises – New Theatre – Review

We meet Rachel (Emma Dargan-Reid) and Fiona (Kathy McGarry) after a birthday party for one of their 3 children. The two have lived in domestic bliss for many years, and from the outside, they seem like the perfect couple. When Rachel tells Fiona that she’s met someone, those years of bliss come to an abrupt end. We see the effect that this change has on both their lives, with housing, new partners and the children all caught in the mix.

With all the celebrations of Marriage Equality in 2015, there was no discussion on the new phenomenon of Gay Divorce. This production gives us an insight into this new development, even if it is not a particularly acrimonious one. The two women remain friends throughout it all, with a few feelings of regret thrown into the mix.

This is the follow-up to the 2023 production When Rachel Met Fiona, which was also staged at the New Theatre. Despite being commonplace at the cinema, it is rare to get a sequel on the stage. The playwright for this production, Colette Cullen, has decided to revisit this glamour couple of successful gay women. The play is a two-hander, with Emma Dargan-Reid returning as Rachel. Kathy McGarry is a new addition replacing Eilish McLaughlin from the original. Eilish is about to star as Chris in the revival of Dancing At Lughnasa at the 3Olympia.

The play moves at speed through the lives of the main protagonists, with each scene being set several months after the previous. We see the discussions, fights and tender moments. The two still have a lot in common despite their failed marriage. The lack of other characters means it becomes a microcosm, a small world isolated from all others. The characters are well-drawn and feel believable.  It is an intriguing work exploring the complexities of modern living.

Written by Colette Cullen
Directed by Iseult Golden
Cast: Emma Dargan-Reid & Kathy McGarry
Lighting Design: Cathy O’Carroll
Set Design: Lisa Krugel
Costume Designer: Toni Bailey
Assistant Set Designer: Vera Pigulevskaya
Production Stage Manager: Eva Walsh
Photography: Al Craig