No Love Songs: A ‘Hilarious, Real, Raw’ Musical About Love, Family & Parenthood

After a successful sellout season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a tour of the UK and a just completed off-Broadway season, uplifting modern love story No Love Songs comes to Sydney.

This new musical by Kyle Falconer, the lead singer of Scottish band The View, is inspired by his own life experiences with partner Laura Wilde. Songs from his second album No Love Songs For Laura have been reimagined for the stage, delivering an honest account of their struggles with parenthood, complicated by his newfound fame in America.

The Australian production stars Keegan Joyce known for his work on Rake & Please Like Me and Lucy Maunder, regarded as one of Australia’s leading theatre artists for her performances in major productions including Chicago and Mary Poppins.

Keegan Joyce recently spoke to City Hub and is overjoyed to be working on this musical which is basically about family.

“We all love the classic Rom-Com stuff, but what I love about No Love Songs is how honest it is about the hard work of love and raising a family. No Love Songs is about a couple who meet, fall in love, start a family, and trying to find the balance between raising a family, keeping love alive, careers and passions.”

But Joyce explained that the musical is not all drama as there are comedic elements intertwined.

“It’s hilarious and it’s real and raw. I haven’t really seen a show like this before on stage in Australia. It’s a joyful show, even though it deals with the tough realities of parenthood.”

Joyce will be performing on stage with Lucy Maunder, while playing the guitar throughout and also playing segments on the piano.

“We also have our amazing music director, Mark Chamberlain with us on stage playing piano. It’s a full sound, even with just the two of us. It’s live music – and for me, there’s nothing better than watching performers really play on stage,” enthused Joyce.

But the show is not all singing as it moves between live music and dialogue throughout.

“It’s also full of cheeky asides, one of my favourite parts of the show. The characters address the audience directly in a really tongue-in-cheek kind of way. The show is such an emotional rollercoaster, and the asides are some of my favourite parts.”

When asked what it’s like performing with Lucy Maunder, Joyce was quick to respond.

“So many people have told me how lovely Lucy is to work with. Not only is she an incredible and honest actor, amazing musician and voice, but she is also just joyful. Being an actor should be fun – and I love that Lucy embodies all of that.”

No Love Songs should be a fun night out at the theatre, but are audiences left with any important messages about love and parenthood?

“I think the main message is to forgive and love yourself as a parent, a partner, and a human. All relationships require work, and (not that I am a parent) being a parent is not an easy job. The show acknowledges that and is honest about that. It’s about loving ourselves and each other even when we don’t get it right.”

Joyce concluded by saying this musical is suitable for anybody who has ever been in love or are experiencing parenthood.

“It’s also a night of emotions, laughter and really good music – and everybody likes that right?”

March 7 – April 13.

Foundry Theatre

nolovesongs.com.au