Written by Emer Dineen
Directed by Phillip McMahon
Review by Jack Quinn
If you’re looking for a night of hilarity, heart, and sheer absurdity, 0800 Cupid at Soho Theatre is the show for you. Created by and starring Emer Dineen, this wild and wonderfully camp production takes the audience on a chaotic ride through the ups and downs of adulthood, love, and identity, with plenty of laughs and touching moments along the way.
Emer’s drag persona, an Elvis-inspired Cupid, leads the charge, diving headfirst into awkward hookups, aimless partying, and deeply relatable existential dread. The absurdity is ramped up with clowning techniques that turn even the most mundane scenarios into laugh-out-loud moments—like staring down Tesco workers or enduring the rollercoaster of call centre jobs. Dineen’s performance is a brilliant mix of physical comedy and emotional nuance, making Cupid both ridiculously over-the-top and surprisingly grounded.
One of the show’s most striking aspects is how it seamlessly weaves between campy chaos and poignant reflection. Amid the absurdity, we’re drawn into touching moments with Emer’s father, played with quiet charm by Carl Harrison. His presence, often marked by a cow-print fringe jacket and Western hat, is a clever, tender way of exploring the complexities of dementia without losing the playful tone of the production. These scenes bring a subtle yet powerful depth to the story, balancing the comedy with real emotional weight.
The cabaret-style musical numbers are a standout, adding layers of humour and relatability to the story. The music also provides a way to tackle the heavier themes, such as the religious confusion brought on by Emer’s Irish Catholic upbringing. The ambition of the piece extends beyond this planet, even giving voice to the universe herself in a magic-mushroom-fueled musical inspiration which brings the house down. These moments, delivered with show-stopping vocals and a lot of heart, make the show as moving as it is entertaining.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Isabel Adomakoh and Carl Harrison shine in their multi-role performances, slipping between characters with ease and keeping the energy high throughout. Their physicality and sharp comedic timing add another layer of enjoyment to the already-packed narrative, ensuring that no moment drags.
0800 Cupid is another bold production from THISISPOPBABY and a perfect choice for anyone navigating the messy world of adulting—or anyone who just loves a bit of absurd, campy fun. With its clever blend of humour, music, and heart, this show is both a joyful escape and a thoughtful reflection on what it means to find yourself in a world that’s constantly changing.
Absurd, Campy Fun
0800 CUPID runs at Soho Theatre, London, until 26th October
Running time – Eighty-five minutes with one interval
Photo credit – Ste Murray
Review by Jack Quinn (contact@corrblimey.uk)
