Michael Cox reviews ‘an emotional love story’.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME. has a bit of an identity crisis. Read the blurbs and marketing material, and the impression given is that the play is a twisted drama about the creative process, addiction and heartache. And yet, what unfolds in the Former Female Locker Room in Summerhall is a rather emotional love story between two long-term friends who genuinely care about each other—and who wonder whether it was correct for them to have hooked up.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME. gets a lot of the romantic tropes bang on correct: it has an effective meet-cute, two characters that are easy to root for (individually and as a couple) and a number of scenarios based on communication problems that are viewed through a humorous prism.
The biggest ace up its sleeve is its cast. Francis Nunnery is great as Eli, a ‘nice guy’ who has a lot of great characteristics but just seems unable to take the plunge into a serious relationship due to insecurities. However, the real standout is Amaia Naima Aguinaga as Grace. Aguinaga is absolutely electric—constantly captivating, she’s terrific in a performance that teeters between pathos and comedic, sometimes within the same breath. Every glance, even the slightest raise of an eyebrow, is filled with emotion. It is a commendable performance that is easily a standout in the entire Fringe this year.
Hannah Caplan’s script has plenty of clever moments and heart. Caplan might have borrowed heavily from the ‘greatest hits’ within cinema, theatre and literature, but she does so effectively—and the script has dramatic punch when it takes some big swings. Douglas Clarke-Wood’s direction is equally effective. His use of a small, tricky space is very clever, and there are plenty of imaginative flourishes with staging and design aspects.
So why then sell it as something else? Is it a lack of confidence in the actual material? Maybe a worry that audience won’t come to a rom-com but might consider high-concept ideas? Who knows? It’s a shame, because THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME. gets a lot of the ingredients of a romantic comedy right. It just needs to be more honest about what dish audiences are being served, because it really is a winner.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME. performs at Summerhall at 15:20 until August 25, 2025 (not the 11th or 18th).
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