‘I Met All My Friends on Dating Apps’ is the latest work by writer, performer and theatre maker Jess Andrews. It certainly gets kudos for a noticeable title, and for its pitch: happily married Jess has decided to explore polygamy. Her husband knows, the dates know, and we’re following along on her journey.

We start with a relatively bare stage; a small unit with make up and a mirror on it, and a pile of clothes. Jess joins us fresh from a shower, and begins to get ready, while setting up the narrative and explaining her mission. She’s earnest and endearing, and the writing is frank and naturalistic, which is all the more a compliment in a solo show where the lack of contribution from other characters can make it seem forced and over-written. Andrews’ gentle vulnerability is reinforced by an atmospheric and mellow score by Rob Sear. 

We hear about her journey through baffled dates, bad dates and sex with dates, assisted by a series of graphs outlining her gathering data on the screen at the back. It’s a tricky line to walk as it risks feeling like a TED talk, but it’s not overdone and plays into the purity and curiosity at the heart of the piece. 

There are several touching moments when Andrews talks the blushing excitement of meeting someone new and seductive, the vulnerability of intimacy with new people, and learning to become more comfortable with her body. Throughout the piece, she adds to her make-up and changes her outfit as she talks about the various dates, which creates a sense of constant preparing and transition, and meant the moments of stasis had more weight. There’s also an interlude where she recreates a date with puppets that’s inventive and fun, and I would have liked to have seen it happen more than once. In terms of the title of the show, it would’ve been interesting to hear more about the evolution of some of her unsuccessful dates and how they became valued friendships, given that we mostly hear about their first meetings – as well as the reactions and advice from her existing friends. 

I walked into the play expecting something relatively light and comical, and while it was understated, it was surprisingly and touchingly sincere and wholesome. Andrews is lucid and charming, talking through the complications of her situation as if the audience are trusted friends. I’m excited to see what she produces next.