By Constance Drugeot

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Tacking the topic of mental health in musical theatre is never easy, even less, women’s experience with post-natal depression. Yet, this was achieved through a masterful blend of storytelling and music by Kyle Falconer’ and Laura Wilde’s new show, No Love Songs. 

Currently playing at the Southwark Elephant Playhouse, following a sold-out premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023, No Love Songs is based on the real-life experience of the two creators through their falling in love and their struggles with parenthood. The show takes the audience on the heartfelt and poignant journey of two young people trying to navigate life the best way they can. Never shying away from difficult topics, the musical, based on original songs by Kyle Falconer, sheds light on the confusing and brutal impact of what having a child means, especially for a young isolated mother. 

No Love Songs, directed by Andrew Panton and Tashi Gore, follows a young Lana (Anna Russell Martin) and Jesse (John McLarnon) throughout their first meeting and how they slowly fall in love with each other, leading to them becoming a family. Soon after Lana gives birth to their son, Jesse leaves her to go on tour with his band across America. Separated from her partner, Lana slowly falls into post-natal depression and deals with thoughts of suicide and anxiety. 

As I said at the beginning of this review, it is not easy to accurately depict mental illness in a show. This is why I have to applaud the creatives and performers behind this story because it has been brought to life in a very honest and respectful way. The songs and the performances of the actors portrayed such a palpable heartache we could only relate to the pain of Lana – and so many women around the world. I was particularly moved by how her progression through depression was shown, how the lights dimmed, how Lana seemed to disappear more and more from the stage, and how her songs reflected it painfully beautifully. I was also impressed how we got to see Jesse’s point of view as well, as a partner and young father, someone over his head but who cares deeply. Jesse’s final song being a love letter to Lana is a smooth way to conclude this heart-to-heart story but remains a bit of a simple end. I would have loved to see more of the characters working through the relationship and how Lana got better. This was definitely missing from the storyline.

Although the show mentions a lot of dark themes, there are still many upbeat and funny moments. From the moment they enter the stage, the performers make you fall in love with them and their relationship – although it does seem fast at first. The first song “Stressball” is definitely one of my favourites and represents the bewitching attraction the two characters feel for each other. Throughout the show, John, as Jesse, plays the guitar, and he is accompanied by Gavin Whitworth on the keys which, by the way, is delightfully entertaining! The musical direction – by Whitworth also – alongside the stage direction create a passionate and honest show that will make you cry as much as it will make you laugh!   

No Love Songs is an inspiring and bold musical about parenthood, mental health, and above all, love. I truly have to say thank you to everyone who made this show a reality as it is such an important message that needs to be talked about. The fact that the story and the music were written by people who actually experienced this first-hand makes it even more poignant and truthful. As I was headed out of the auditorium, it really sparked up a conversation between me and my friend about the (often ignored) health of mothers and women in general. And I could hear others too, so let’s keep talking about it! And hopefully, No Love Songs will get a life on the West End! 

Read our interview with the minds behind the show, Kyle Falconer & Laura Wilde, in our latest magazine!