Ten minutes before the ceremony, the air is thick with anticipation and nerves. In the intimate setting of the Malmaison hotel in London, the audience is invited to witness the final moments before Georgie and Tunde tie the knot in Dante or Die’s immersive production of “I Do”.
Created by Daphna Attias and Terry O’Donovan, the play takes the audience on a journey through the emotional rollercoaster of a wedding day. Divided into small groups, the audience members shuffle between six different rooms, each offering a glimpse into the lives and relationships of the soon-to-be-wed couple and their loved ones.
From the spirited bridesmaids dancing on a bed to the anguished “call it all off” moments for the bride and groom, the production captures the familiar tropes of a wedding day. But it goes far deeper, revealing the raw emotions and insecurities that lie beneath the surface.
One of the most poignant scenes involves Georgie’s grandparents, Gordon and Eileen. As Eileen dresses Gordon, who is confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak, the frayed love and desperation between them is palpably conveyed. The depth of their tragedy is captured in a single line, “I miss you,” spoken by Helen as she stumbles upon the heartbreaking scene.
The production’s attention to detail is remarkable, with the set design by Jenny Hayton perfectly replicating the corporate kitsch of a hotel-wrapped wedding package. From the rose petals scattered on the bed to the personal detritus of the characters, the audience is immersed in the world of these individuals.
The performances are searing, with the cast delivering a range of emotions that tug at the heartstrings. Attias’s direction allows for moments of stillness, where the audience can witness the subtle shifts in expression and the unspoken connections between the characters.
As the story gradually unfolds, the audience is invited to piece together the intricate web of relationships and conflicts. The inclusion of a recurring cleaner figure, who moves through the corridors in a backward motion, adds a surreal charm to the production.
By the end, the audience can’t help but care for almost every character. “I Do” is a big, heart-wrenching, and ultimately wonderful exploration of the drama and complexities that often accompany a wedding day. It’s a must-see for anyone seeking a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.
