Monday Monologues: Skype d8 at Bush Theatre online

Skype d8 by Travis Alabanza is a charming monologue discussing the lighter, yet just as real, problems of lockdown.

Lockdown has changed everything from the way we work to the way we date. Skype d8 examines the latter with a short monologue around the thoughts that run through your head when preparing for a remote date via video call. It’s part of the Monday Monologues from Bush Theatre, a series of shorts available for free (or for a donation) on the theatre’s website.

Skype d8 is a nice dose of familiarity, charm and wit in just five minutes. It’s the exact experience everyone has had or imagines they would have getting ready for an online date. It’s a lovely piece of writing by Travis Alabanza that explores that internal debate someone has with themselves over what to wear and how good the call quality will be.

Ibinabo Jack performs this monologue from, presumably, her bedroom. Her nice, natural performance brings the reality of the words to life and helps them feel that little bit closer to home.

Ultimately, Alabanza’s Skype d8 is quick piece of hyper-relevant fun. Maybe not the most entertaining thing in the world, but certainly worth watching for those with a spare five minutes and an interest in dating monologues.

Jim Compton-Hall

Skype d8 is available to view on the Bush Theatre’s YouTube channel on 18^th May 2021. For further information about the Bush Theatre’s Monday Monologues series visit the theatre’s website here.