Review: Love Actually? A Musical Parody
December is often a time to enjoy a festive show with family, colleagues or friends, which means there can be several different options to choose from. This month, I made the wrong choice.
Promoted as an ‘off Broadway smash musical,’ Love Actually? The Musical Parody is described as ‘hilarious,’ and promotional information promises ‘an unforgettable evening that celebrates love, laughter, and the spirit of the season.’ Sadly, it was unforgettable, but for the wrong reasons. The Brisbane Love Actually? The Musical Parody, as it does not deliver on promises of love and laughter, and I am guessing that Melbourne, and Sydney audiences will be as disappointed as I am.
The idea is great. Take a well-known film, imitate and exaggerate the performances of the leading film actors, sprinkle in a few songs to emphasise the moments of parody, and provide an opportunity to employ local performers. In Love Actually? The Musical Parody, the imitation and exaggeration concentrate on the mannerisms of the actors, and references some of the many other films that feature members of the stellar film cast. For example, the most amusing line of the evening was, for me, the Alan Rickman line ‘obliviate’—referencing Rickman’s roles of the Love Actually wayward husband, Harry, and also as the Harry Potter series’ Severus Snape.
The DV Live Brisbane cast members do their best with the show, venue, and low-cost production values. Performing against a tinsel backdrop, and accompanied by a recorded soundtrack, the Love Actually? The Musical Parody cast keep the ‘action’ moving as they dash on and off the stage to cover the various film roles. Stephanie Beza’s Emma Thompson/Karen caricature was toothily notable, Nicole Kaminski parodied Keira Knightley’s memorable role as the newly wed Juliet, and Dylan Hodge gave us a solid Liam Neeson/Daniel. William Kasper recreated Hugh Grant’s David (the new UK Prime Minister), and the cast also includes Benjamin Hambley (Colin Firth/Jamie) and Ashton Simpson (Chiwetel Ejiofor/Peter).
The Brisbane venue does not help with the overall experience. Queues for the bar and toilets are long, as the facilities are limited. Seating is not raked, but uses banqueting chairs, placed in tightly-packed rows—which means that only those people in the first four rows have any real opportunity to see what is happening, and it’s not comfortable to sit for any time if anyone else is seated next to you. I moved to the back of the convention centre hall for the second act of the Brisbane premiere, which meant that I couldn’t see much of the action, including not being able to read the all-important ‘to me you are perfect’ cards.
I am finding it difficult to think of who might enjoy this show—aside from the supporting friends and family of the local actors. This production of Love Actually? A Musical Parody gets a definitely, absolutely, solid NO from me. Perhaps in a more intimate theatre venue, with a live band, it might work. But not in this production.
Sadly the fabulous Little Red Company’s Christmas Actually finished a return season at the Brisbane Powerhouse on 14 December, but it’s worth making the journey to HOTA or the Redland Performing Art Centre to see this one if you can (19 and 20 December respectively). Christmas Actually has live music and stellar cabaret artists, as a fun celebration of all things Love Actually. Alternatively, if you are looking for an 18+ festive show recommendation, you might just be able to snap up tickets for the final week of this year’s return of A Very Naughty Christmas, finishing shortly at Bowen Hills’ Twelfth Night Theatre. Tickets are also available until February for the fabulous Blanc De Blanc Encore, which is bound to earn you gold stars all round if you book tickets as a gift, for a festive gathering, or as a memorable start to the New Year. Christmas Actually and A Very Naughty Christmas have top price tickets at less than $80, and Blanc de Blanc Encore’s ‘tight arse Wednesday’ tickets are only $75, making all three shows must-see and incredible value when contrasted with the DV Live Love Actually? A Musical Parody.
I just hope you are reading this review before deciding to buy a ticket, as the terms and conditions for the DV Live Love Actually? A Musical Parody are very firmly ‘no refunds.’
Audience information: Love Actually? The Musical Parody, Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Brisbane (11-21 December 2025). Tickets: $80.86-$121.80 (including fees). 130 minutes, including one interval. Suggested 15+, and note this production contains haze/smoke and some flashing/strobe lights.
The reviewer attended the Friday 12th December 2025 performance (7:30pm).