Anatomy of a Rom-Com - Fringe World 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Doulton

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The formulas of storytelling have been tried and tested for centuries, and the modern Rom-Com is no different. Anatomy of a Rom-Com unpicks the markers of the genre that make up the classics.

Our leading lady is Jessica, a neurotic young doctor whose hopeless romanticism doesn't seem to fit in the modern world of dating. With the help of a bartender, Drew, they hatch a plan to ensnare the attention of Jessica’s boss, a distinguished older surgeon. Drew is an expert at love, if her extensive dating history is anything to go by, and she leads Jessica in orchestrating the initiation of a spark, from the meet-cute to the montage, through to the grand gesture. The nameless Statler and Waldorf barflies underpin the plot with constant commentary. They felt more like a device to explain the already obvious story, but could have been utilised way more effectively if they had more scathing quips and played into Muppet-like caricatures. 

The standout was the voice of reason in best friend Rory, played by Katrina Esdale. Their delivery of dialogue felt the most authentic. This was a best friend who was not whacky like most tropes. They were level-headed and downright concerned for Jessica’s all of a sudden disregard for her own career and personality for a man who was not only her boss, but also did not even really seem at all interested in her. Esdale has a natural presence on stage that was a pleasure to watch.

The set was simple but effective for a fringe season, and transitions between locations were seamless, if a little long during blackouts. The blackouts felt unnecessary and caused a disruption in the pace of the show. When the theatre is intimate, like the Jonesway Theatre, it's not doing much to conceal the happenings on stage. Working the transitions without blackouts would have been stronger for the production. The lighting was appropriate, but the sound levels could have been pumped up to be more immersive.

The show overall was charming and heartfelt. You could tell the company, Lavender Collective Productions, is dedicated to making queer stories for the team to have fun with. With some more polishing of the script and direction, they have a gem on their hands.

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company. Kate, this site's founder, worked with this team on their 2025 Fringe World show, and did some consulting on the intimacy coordination for this show.