Writer: Kate-Lynn Du Plessis
Director: Monica Cox
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Needs More Time“
3 / 5
With social media playing judge and jury in every interaction, fame has never been more consuming. Every word, glance or connection is put under a microscope and immortalised on the internet forever. Entering into that world is a risk, because not everyone survives in the limelight.
Xander (Kelvin Ade) is used to constantly being in the spotlight. As a world famous singer his fans are over familiar and at times, borderline obsessive. But when he meets the introverted Kiera (Kate-Lynn Du Plessis), a writer on the verge of releasing her first novel, he’s ready to throw his fame away, more interested in spending his days living the simple life with her instead. With an overbearing, manipulative mom-ager (Madeleine Hutchins), an upcoming international tour and an increased demand on studio time, the last thing he needs is a scandal, but then the pair are posted online with a doctored altercation, and it’s clear only one of them will come out of this unscathed.
There is a lot of potential in Kate-Lynn Du Plessis’ tension ridden script – the storyline has an interesting premise that fans of contemporary romance dramas are bound to enjoy. But with such a myriad of themes, and a rush to jump straight into the action, the production as it stands feels a little under-developed. With just a brief introduction to Keira & Xander, there isn’t enough time for the audience to become invested into their relationship – to root for them, or delve properly into their respective stances on the situation at hand. The ‘scandal’ comes quickly, and too much time is spent rehashing similar avenues of ‘how will we cope’ or ‘what will we do’ rather than fleshing out the storyline more to really engage.
Ade plays the laidback musician with ease, confident and composed he gives off the ‘star quality’ his character requires. Du Plessis balances this out brilliantly with a more reserved character, her emotional turmoil and disbelief while she’s on the cusp of losing everything believable and endearing. Hutchins as the stereotypical matriarch adds to the dark side of showbiz, immediately (purposefully) unlikeable as a character and adding to the underlying tension.
Running at only 45 minutes (compared to the advertised 60), the show as it stands, feels very light on content, which considering the amount that could be said, is a surprise. Some more time is needed to really explore the avenues of cancel culture, fame, lack of privacy and romance – the glimmers of a great show are there, it just needs a little more spark.
Runs until 23rd August 2025
RatedReviewed 
Thanks for the Review, Christine. It’s a shame it wasn’t as good as it could have been. The premise sounded interesting. Hopefully, your thoughts will be taken on board
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Unfortunately the reviewer has been very biased on their own tastes and lied about the running time. I was in the audience last night and everyone could not stop raving about the show. This review does not reflect what talent was displayed and this reviewer has come across very unprofessional. Such a shame on you RatedReviewed.
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Hi Daniel, always love hearing other opinions on shows I see – as everyone’s opinions are subjective so always interesting seeing other perspectives. The running time the evening I reviewed was 45 minutes, great to hear it was different on another evening. I definitely agree there was talent displayed, as I mentioned in my review and hence why I gave it 3 stars. I’m glad you and other audience members loved it, there were some great elements within it and always good to support fringe theatre!
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Yes, it was a very interesting premise!
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