Love is a Game: An Adele Song Cycle → Adelaide Fringe

 Oh My God, I truly don’t know how else I can praise Love is a Game: An Adele Song Cycle in ways that have not already been said. The concept, the craftsmanship, the CAST cannot be faulted, I am only kicking myself now for not seeing this more than once! 


Created by Oliver John, who is also in the cast, Love is a Game is an immaculately constructed work that seamlessly weaves together the hits from Adele into a collection of vignettes about love in all forms. What a unique way to pay tribute to an artist that is far beyond the choice to cover their songs. The show takes Adele’s lyrics and storytelling and brings them to life in a series of scenes whereby the cast ebb and flow through a myriad of relationship archetypes and the emotions felt. This has the audience incredibly hooked and invested from the start. 


The cast is a harmonious group, all getting a chance to shine individually, but their strength lies in their ability to be a collective. The layering of the casts’ incredible vocals with the live band was absolute perfection. There are moments when the instruments are removed and they sing in harmony to a silent room, giving us goosebumps. Most notably, their a capella rendition of Sweetest Devotion is a highlight that earned an erupting applause. 


One song you are bopping along, the next you are sat frozen still, fully immersed in the emotional story unfolding. The choreography and movements about the space keeps the show rolling on, the audience fully on board for its entirety. 


All I Ask, is that Love is a Game continues to soar to greater heights because this show is utterly extraordinary, and a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling through song. 

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