Banging Denmark
Finborough Theatre

RECEIVING its European premiere, Van Badham’s play is a sparkling rom com that dissects some of the controversial, contemporary issues with dating.

Tom Kay plays the successful, misogynist podcaster and self-help, pick-up artist, Jake Newhouse, aka Guy Dewitt. His uncompromising sexist broadcasts to needy males going by such absurd pseudonyms as Hammerhead and Mr Tearsdry might sound as if they are out of an Andrew Tate playbook if they were not so comically ridiculous.

His inflated self-esteem takes a hammering when he is rebuffed by a glacial cold, Danish librarian Anne, played by Maja Simonsen, and he is forced to seek advice from the only feminist he knows.

Rebecca Blackstone is the effusive, academic feminist Ishtar Madigan specialising in the sociology of computer gaming. Homeless after losing a defamation case against Dewitt, she unwittingly accepts his offer of money to help him with dating Anne and the essence of the contrasting character-based comedy is established.

A sub-plot with Madigan’s bright, feisty assistant (Jodie Tyack) and thoroughly decent, would-be boyfriend (James Jip) plays out a similar, seemingly mismatched drama with likeable personalities and amusing dialogue.

Although the progression to an understanding of the different characters’ real needs and feelings beneath their protective cynicism is fairly predictable, the journey is filled with sharp one liners, a barrage of great insults and a range of dynamic fantasy and real interactions that amusingly mirror or counterpose each other.

Director Sally Woodcock keeps the pace and energy high throughout the 100-minute production and the universally strong cast create a range of highly engaging characters that go beyond their stereotypes.

Van Badham’s script ticks all the necessary boxes for a successful rom com but does more in navigating the complex landscape of 21st-century dating without being moralistic.

In the tempestuous world of dating where superficial online profiles and a glossary of new terms sprouting from the struggle with sexual identities reigns, this play delves beneath the superficial, public facade of first dates to show why equality is essential in any meaningful relationship and would no doubt make a very successful film.

Runs until May 11, box office: finboroughtheatre.co.uk