REVIEW: Love Song Dedications (Without Richard Mercer)

REVIEW: Love Song Dedications (Without Richard Mercer)
Image: Photo: Nick Mckk

Tom Hogan and Bonnie Leigh-Dodds are the brilliant acting duo that star in Love Song Dedications (Without Richard Mercer), a new Australian work that is presented by Ten Tonne Sparrow and premiering at PACT Theatre, Erskineville. These two multi-disciplinary artists have created an original show that is at once a hilarious, modern farcical comedy with sheer force of charm and exuberance and is one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see. I can’t remember ever laughing so hard at the theatre.

The story is inspired by radio presenter, Richard Mercer, host of the popular long-running program Love Songs And Dedications on commercial radio stations  KIIS 106.5 in Sydney and Mix 101.1 in Melbourne, where he was referred to as “The Love God.” Between 1996 and 2013 for three hours every weeknight Mercer took requests and engaged in talkback with the love stricken, infatuated and unrequited as well as playing cupid. 

Best friends Tom and Bonnie take 104 of the most requested love songs from that era, hand write and light them up on eight big song boards. The songs’ individual lights are turned off as they find reasons why each song isn’t the ultimate love song. 

We hear the well-known ‘SMULSH’ playlist along with live soundscape recordings of DJ Mercer’s crooning, seductive voice in talk back with fans explaining their dedications and declaring their love; like 11-year-old Milo who has a crush, thinking he’s found the love of his life, who requests U2’s Sweetest Thing. Subtitles are projected onto a screen which shows video clips to make a point and they argue with reasons to turn off the light, in their quest to find the perfect love song.

The entire show is a subtext of their friendship, amid academic analysing of music. There are references to Nick Cave’s music lecture series, For The Secret Life Of The Love Song, of the genesis and true meaning of love songs; that love, cannot exist without all of the attendant pain. 

Love Song Dedications (Without Richard Mercer) is full of interpretive dance, wit and social commentary; Celine Dion, song writer Dianne Warren, long distance relationships and the irony of the music industry where Something by the Beatles and Cher’s Time After Time can’t be played in a public place. 

Made in conjunction with the podcast Missing Richard Mercer, available on iTunes.

Until Jul 29. PACT Centre For Emerging Artists, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville. $20-$30+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.pact.net.au

Reviewed by Mel Somerville.

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