FIRST DATES EVOKE fear in some, excitement in others and pure hysteria among friends of the perennial singles.
Advice, whether solicited or not, is given on appropriate attire, appropriate conversation, appropriate alcohol consumption, appropriate end-of-date scenario…you get the picture. It’s all about doing the right thing at the right time and, most importantly, with the right person.
However, once seated at the relaxed-but-not-too-grubby pub you’ve both decided on, most of that advice gets washed away with the first G&T. But what if you had to follow every single recommendation provided – including the set up? Would it work?
Actor and playwright Lauren White is about to find out.
The American thespian’s latest venture for the ABSOLUT Fringe, the Ronseal-named Lauren White Goes On A Date, will see the 23-year-old venture out on five first dates in-a-row as she examines 21st-century courting.
And not only will she have to heed all the advice given to her, she’ll have to take it from a bunch of strangers.
The audience will not only get to decide who she dates but also what she wears, where she goes, how much she drinks and even if she brings protection or not.
“I wanted to write something that corresponded with things that I was going through in my own life,” she told TheJournal.ie when asked about the unusual concept. “I need somone. I want to start a relationship.
“That line between what is theatre and what is real fascinates me. Who is the real life Lauren and who is the actor Lauren.”
I am handing over the power to the audience. They will create the whole date – the guy, the venue, the outfit – their decisions won’t just stay in the theatre space.
The guy will be chosen from a mix of audience volunteers, nominees from friends and Internet dating site applicants. At least two men will appear on stage each night and theatre-goers will have the opportunity to get to know them better before choosing who Lauren dates that night.
“A lot of the show is improv. It is light-hearted and I want people to have a good time but hopefully it will have an underlying emotion,” explained White. “People can relate to the topic and I’m definitely looking for someone.”
During the final show, each of the five dates will return and the audience gets to choose who White will go on that all-important second date.
The Seattle-raised writer has already proven that she can follow through with some extreme promises made in the name of her art.
While studying at the Gaiety School of Acting, she wrote a smaller piece which involved her asking the audience whether she should leave the relationship she was in at the time.
After coming to their decision, she right there and then changed her Facebook relationship status to ‘Single’.
“So, I’m really just taking up where I left off there,” she concludes.
Check Lauren out (yes, like that – she accepts propositions on social media) on Twitter @Lauren_White88 or her Facebook page. The following is her dating profile:
Actress who can’t make decisions seeks audience comfortable with changing her life. Me: I love the sea, puppies, wearing flowers in my hair and Homer. Him: I know everybody says this but he needs to have a big, Fassbender like ____ , sense of humour, confidence is important too and being a part-time massage therapist (a girl can dream). So call (1850 374 643) or facebook me if you can find or be that date…
The show runs from 10 to 15 September at the New Theatre and bookings can be made here.
See what else is going on at ABSOLUT Fringe at fringefest.com They have a handy free iPhone app available to download here.
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