Review of Burnt Up Love
- Simon
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Dark and Devastating Exploration of Trauma
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Burnt Up Love is a one-hour play which has been highly praised since its premiere in 2024, and you now have the chance to witness this emotionally raw clash of cycling trauma spilling out with devastating consequences. I came out quite unsettled and drained, and the play stayed with me for some time afterwards.
A Father’s Obsession
From his prison cell, Mac — an isolated and violent man (played by writer and director Ché Walker) — has only his daughter Scratch to live for. Obsessed, and having never met her, he imagines her life through the single photograph he possesses. Upon release, his sole ambition is to find her.
A Life Shaped by Trauma
We then meet Scratch — a traumatised, chaotic, non-boundaried and destructive young woman (played with fierce intensity by Joanne Marie Mason). Raised in care homes, she has developed a fractured personality, needing to fight, steal, drink and take drugs just to feel anything at all.
She meets Ramon, who falls hopelessly in love with her, never faltering even as she exploits him and pushes him further. He never reacts, and his perceived “weakness” only fuels her cruelty.
Eventually, she tires of him and falls for Jayjayjay (played by Alice Walker), who initially embraces Scratch’s chaotic behaviour and self-destruction for the fleeting highs they experience together — with inevitable downfall.
No Easy Redemption in Burnt Up Love
These are deeply unlikeable characters, all severely affected by the trauma of their lives. Their connections to reality are fleeting, and they show little awareness of the devastation their behaviour leaves in its wake.
The second half is tragic, distressing and devastating, with long-lasting consequences for everyone involved.
These are people I partly recognise from my work as a mental health nurse and therapist — and, unfortunately, there are no happy endings.
Striking Minimalism
The set is sparse, only occasionally lit by candles, fully embracing the darkness befitting the tone. At times, we see only flickering faces in the shadows. The focus remains firmly on the excellent, layered script, with every sentence gripping the rapt audience.
The live music — harp and piano, composed by Uchenna Ngwe and performed by Ruby Aspinall — elevates the production to another level. Its melodic beauty stands in stark contrast to what is unfolding on stage.
By Ché Walker
Composer Uchenna Ngwe
Performance Information
Venue: Theatro Technis,
26 Crowndale Road,London NW1 1TT
Dates: 26 March – 18 April
Running time: Approximately 70 minutes
Performance times:
3:00pm
6:30pm
7:30pm
Ticket prices: From £13.50 (plus booking fees)
Age suitability: 16+
Content warnings: This production includes flashing lights, fire, smoke, strong language, sensitive content, and references to violent and sexual acts.
👉 Book tickets here: https://www.theatrotechnis.com/
