FRUITCAKE transports us back to university days – a time when love and relationships are often fleeting, messy and uncertain, but things are even more complicated when your crush has a mysterious past. In this quietly compelling solo show, we follow the character known as Fruitcake as they navigate uni life – muddling through studies, while grappling with growing feelings for a girl in the class.

In a bid to spend more time with the girl, Fruitcake asks her for help with coursework and they begin meeting regularly at a quiet, nearly deserted cafe. Jazz music fills the air and the moments stretch into something tender as a bond begins to form. But soon, the girl starts disappearing for days at a time. Suspicious and keen to get answers, Fruitcake begins to investigate and ends up discovering more than was ever expected. 

Jaimee Doyle is magnetic in this melancholic, touching portrayal of young love, vulnerability and the desire for intimacy and belonging. Doyle commands the stage with an emotional depth that draws the audience in, with a gaze that lingers intently on each of us. At points, a recorded voiceover of the girl (Fruitcake’s crush) is used to deliver her side of the dialogue, but in my opinion, Doyle’s performance and storytelling skills are compelling enough to carry the monologue without it. The personal journey of the character could benefit from deeper exploration, mainly in terms of backstory, however the focus on the experience of young love and a desire for connection keeps the narrative intention clear and uncomplicated, with moments of humour and warmth woven throughout. 

FRUITCAKE has sadly finished its run at The Actors, but check out https://www.fruitcakeproductions.com / Fruitcake Productions on Instagram to see what’s up next!