Queens of Romance

Three celebrity romance novelists, three high-contrast writing styles and points of view, three skilled actors — and a theatrical shortfall since nothing really happens onstage.... Read the full 12thnight review

I make sure to see whatever Jake and Jason are in because it’s always amazing! This time they were romance authors at a convention and as always, hilarity ensued. Everyone did such a great job of staying in their characters and delivering sharply written lines. The costumes were perfect. Bravo!

Beyond the GREAT hair, amazingly stylish outfits, sassy eyewear, (AND SPARKLES) clever dialogue and laughs is a commentary that everyone can relate to. Once again, we have been given a very well written script that on the surface easily makes you laugh out loud, but the layer underneath is so much more. It's a narrative on the expectations and experiences of romance and relationships through genre's, viewpoints and generations. A very thought provoking and introspective gift to conversations when you leave the theatre. These performers have MASTERED the art of 'looking', to the supreme! They effortlessly make a couple hundred people laugh in an instant without saying a word. Incredible talent, treat yourself and see this show!

We loved Queens of romance! A hilarious hour of fictional romance writers, their lives and their stories. Dame nauseam killed us with just her facial expressions. Another must see if there are tickets available.

I will see any show this company puts together for fringe! You can tell these actors have experience performing together, and also have a lot of fun embodying these characters. Lots of laughs as always (bickering romance novelists on a panel? Yes, please!) and some powerful messaging mixed in, as well. I love shows at the Varscona, it's probably my favourite Fringe venue.

My only critique is that I felt it went on a bit too long, but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the show.

This was hilarious. But also had a some really sincere moments. The actors are incredible

Read my review on my theatre blog

https://lucyhainesca.wordpress.com/2026/08/16/review-what-makes-a-good-romance-novel/

Have you seen Diane? Abby Solomon

This comedic drama is established at a romance convention, introducing three completely different authors to discuss their approaches to love, writing, and the romance industry. It explores a multitude of themes regarding womanhood and the different obstacles that women go through in order to find love and what love means for them. Bringing to light the changes that have happened over the years in regards to romance, whether it be platonic or romantic, the cast perfectly embodies how love is shown and seen. Some standout cast members to me were Trevor Schmidt, playing Melissa (Missy) Galvon, and Jason Hardwick, playing Dame Nausea Wildenhart. Something that especially stood out was Trevor Schmidt’s portrayal of Missy even before the show began, Schmidt was already completely in character. Establishing the atmosphere of the production, and oh I wonder Have you seen Diane? Then Dame Nausea Wildenhart, played by Jason Hardwick, represents a traditional and old-fashioned approach to romance. Her ideas centre around marriage and traditional female roles, an outdated sort of patriarchal approach to romance. Her obvious repulsion with discussions of some rather naughty scenes created some funny moments, especially through her physical reactions and aversion to the topics. In contrast, Janet Van Herpen, played by Michelle Todd, is much more confident and open about her romantic desires. Her boldness created an entertaining contrast with Dame Nausea and showed how differently women can approach relationships and intimacy. Karin Cuttler, played by Jake Tkaczyk, brought another perspective, approaching romance in a more controlled, psychological, and clinical way. Tkaczyk character added another layer by demonstrating that love can also be understood through emotion, thought, and personal experience. Queens of Romance brought to the forefront that love is beyond romance. It discusses the importance of platonic relationships, community, and the connections women create with one another. Immensely engaging and thoughtful production, an amazing depiction that love does not have one fixed definition with its contrasting characters showing demonstrates that love can take many forms, and that difference is what makes it meaningful.