A to B Review: A Relentless Romp of Mishaps on a Blind Date

The Premise of 'A to B'

Tia-Renee Mullings’s coming-of-age play 'A to B' explores the nerves, hope, and anticipation of getting ready for a date through two separate, overlapping monologues by Brianna (Zakiyyah Dean) and Armani (Sheyi Cole). The play is set up on a blind date by mutual friends, with only a photo of their prospective partner to go on.

The Relentless String of Mishaps

Brianna’s younger sisters steal and destroy her carefully chosen outfit, while an unfortunate encounter with water guns ruins her hair. Armani misses his barber’s appointment, resulting in the worst trim of his life. Although the anxiety and mishaps are relatable, they become predictable, and the story begins to feel repetitive.

Uncovering the Characters' True Selves

Both characters use keeping up appearances as armour, but occasionally reveal glimpses of their true selves. Brianna admits she’s lost in a forest, showcasing her eagerness to be loved, while Armani hopes his date will see beyond the image he’s worked hard to perfect.

The Artistic Elements

Directed by Ewa Dina, the play features time-stamps on a screen and lyrical spoken-word passages. The script pulses with the textures of life in south London, drawing British Jamaican life in vibrant shades. This is the beginning of a beautiful modern love story, but it needs further development to feel complete.

Conclusion and Future Performances

The play is showing at Soho theatre, London, until 3 July. Despite its promising premise and artistic elements, 'A to B' requires more depth to sustain its momentum across its 80-minute running time.