Presented by Newtheatricals. Written by Kyle Falconer & Laura Wilde
A heartfelt, gripping and musically rich exploration of young love and post-natal depression.
Reviewed by Tessa Miles
Foundry Theatre at Sydney Lyric
Until 5 April, 2025
Tickets: https://nolovesongs.com.au/
Type: Emotional, singer/songwriter, intimate, contemporary musical theatre
If you liked: The last Five Years, Once, Begin Again
No Love Songs is a deeply personal and beautifully executed musical that explores the joys and hardships of young love, the weight of post-natal depression, and the challenge of starting again. Featuring the music of Kyle Falconer, best known as the lead singer of Scottish indie band The View, the production blends raw storytelling with a rich, singer-songwriter sound that sets it apart from traditional musical theatre.
The story follows Jessie (Keegan Joyce) and Lana (Lucy Maunder), a couple whose passionate romance quickly shifts into the realities of parenthood. When Jessie, a musician, gets his big break in America, Lana is left behind to navigate the struggles of new motherhood alone. While the show masterfully portrays the challenges of their relationship and Lana’s post-natal depression, it leans more into these struggles rather than fully developing the couple’s love story. The chemistry between Jessie and Lana is told rather than shown, leaving some emotional beats less impactful than they could have been.
Lucy Maunder delivers a powerhouse performance as Lana, capturing the devastating weight of post-natal depression with gripping realism. Her ability to switch from vibrant and hopeful to utterly drained is mesmerising. Keegan Joyce matches her energy, and together, their voices blend beautifully. Special mention goes to Music Director Mark Chamberlain, whose silent but comedic moments added levity to the show.
(No Love Songs)… shines in its portrayal of post-natal depression and the struggles of balancing love, ambition, and parenthood
The production embraces minimalism, with a stripped-back set designed like a pub stage—mics, instrument and equipment cases, and a raw, intimate atmosphere. This approach suits the small space of the Foundry Theatre, allowing the audience to feel the closeness of the performances. Lighting plays a major role in setting the mood, utilising concert-style spotlights and shifting colours to reflect emotional beats. Costumes remain simple, with jackets used to signify transitions between moments.
The audiences’ response reflected the show’s success in portraying the emotional depth of the writing. Lana’s struggles clearly resonated, with quiet sniffles heard throughout the theatre. However, the pacing between songs and scenes occasionally led to audience uncertainty, with some moments of delayed or absent applause.
No Love Songs is a moving and well-crafted piece of theatre that shines in its portrayal of post-natal depression and the struggles of balancing love, ambition, and parenthood. While it could delve deeper into Jessie and Lana’s love story, its emotional honesty and powerful performances make it a compelling watch. Experiencing the show in such an intimate venue only heightened its impact.
THEATRE THOUGHT: if you were to create a soundtrack to your life, what songs and artists would be in it?
The production will be touring to the Space Theatre in Adelaide from Wednesday 21 May – Sunday 1 Jun 2025
CAST:
Keegan Joyce – Jessie
Lucy Maunder – Lana
Jacen Bennett – Jessie Standby
Manon Gunderson-Briggs – Lana Standby
CREATIVE TEAM
Kyle Falconer – Songs
Laura Wilde – Book        Â
Johnny McKnight – Book
Anerew Panton – Co Director
Tashi Gore – Co Director
Gavin Whitworth – Arrangements
Mark Chamberlain – Music Director
Leila Kalbassi – Scenic Design
Cate Mackie – Costume Design
David Letch / System Sound – Sound Design
Grant Anderson – Lighting Design
Hugh Hamilton – Associate Lighting Design
Leanne Cherry – Casting
Justin Nott – Associate Director
Rodney Rigby – Producer
Neil Croker – Producer
