Long Distance

One of the most memorable gigs of this year's fringe, so relevant to anyone who's dating in the modern day, resonated with both of us, the acting expressed the emotion of the story, would definitely recommend

emotionally hard hitting piece mixed with all the comedy of errors of a budding relationship. Highly recommend :)

'Long Distance' is a masterclass in modern theatre, showcasing a unique exploration of love and intimacy in the digital age. Centered around the relationship between two men conducted entirely through text messages, this production stands out as a bold and innovative portrayal of connection in a world increasingly mediated by screens.

What struck me most about 'Long Distance' was its rawness. Despite the minimal interaction between the characters, Jonathan Rubin and Lewis Merrylees managed to deliver astonishingly powerful performances. Their chemistry was palpable, creating an emotional depth that felt both authentic and intimate. The audience was taken on a journey filled with humor, charm, and intensity. At moments, it was hot and electric; at others, deeply heartfelt. Every emotion was tangible, making the experience incredibly immersive.

The brilliance of this production doesn’t stop at the performances. Eli Zuzovsky's writing was sharp and witty, perfectly capturing the highs and lows of a long-distance relationship. Each text message exchanged felt real and relatable, a testament to the playwright's understanding of contemporary communication. His direction seamlessly wove together the digital and the physical, making a potentially static concept come alive on stage.

The technical aspects of the production were equally well-executed. The lighting, sound and stage presence were carefully thought out, enhancing the atmosphere and underscoring the emotional beats of the play. Every detail felt intentional, contributing to the overall impact of the piece.

In conclusion, 'Long Distance' is a brilliant and innovative piece of theatre. It's funny, it's touching, and it’s a beautiful reflection of modern relationships. This production is a must-see, and it will stay with you long, long after.

Bravo!! *clapping hands* * heart*

*star* *star* *star* *star* *star*

Jonathan Rubin and Lewis Merrylees crafted a poignant, subtle interplay of the raw emotion in a gay relationship through the opaque lens of our contemporary texting medium. Vulnerable and powerful, its a journey which will disrupt your equilibrium, touch you deeply and not leave you unmoved.
Five stars

Negative space is the final frontier. “Long Distance” elevates the most vapid, easily-misconstrued, gut-wrenching and soul-sucking form of communication—the text bubble—into a masterful and deeply psychological queer relationship arc depicting the time spent apart by two actors barely together.

Every line is a battle of interpreted receipt of emotion against its intended transmission… the delicate questions and the dopenergic roller-coaster we ride before the answers ping back. If they do at all…

Relatable as a queer, as a Jew, and as a citizen of the world who is in many places at once… none the least of which her own head. A must-see here at the Fringe!

❤️

Just watched this gem of a play for the second but certainly not last time. Eli takes a simple premise and elevates it to an intimate, engaging, and unforgettable show with sharp writing and unmissable performances. Jonathan and Lewis perform with rare vulnerability and beautiful chemistry and I can’t wait to see what they all do next.

Brilliant writing and superb performances. Moving, tender and very funny. I really hope (and expect) to see more of this writer and these actors.

Long Distance is a topical, intriguing look at modern relationships in the world of WhatsApp. Whilst the play is inherently queer, all who own a smartphone, and have had the misfortune to venture into (online) dating in this day and age, will be able to relate to this eloquent retelling of modern “romance”.

Dynamic performances by Jonathan Rubin and Lewis Merrylees, delivered in an intimate setting, will leave you feeling uncomfortable, inspired, hopeful and ultimately reflective on the state of relationships in the 21st century. The two actors hold you in their grasp as they weave through an all too familiar love story, told exclusively over text messages.

Eli Zukovsky’s concept is simple but effective, he demonstrates how messaging can only take us so far. He reminds us that we humans are, at the end of the day, social beings: we need to see, touch, hear…listen…

Go see it now!

2. “Long Distance”
Written, directed and produced by Eli Zuzovsky, this new play tells of the meeting, falling in love, erotic encounters, fights and make-ups, and eventual devastating break-up of two young queers — all through their enacted texts and emoji. Hilarious, sexy, mysterious, and heartbreaking where silences, subtlety, and stares into no where say as much as the poetry of the powerful script. A world premiere for our times and by/for a generation of the internet age.
Rating: 5 E

Captures the beauty of a relationship over WhatsApp. Impossible to take your eyes off. Humerous, upsetting and darn right awesome!

Wow. This was so moving - it’ll stay with me for a long time. Would recommend to everyone.

The story is so well told, and the two actors shine on stage, telling a moving story to a fully-engaged audience. The design compliments the story and medium so well. Fantastic show!

Long Distance is a play for our times. Written by Eli Zuzovsky and starring Lewis Merrylees and Jonathan Rubin, this one act play takes up a mere hour of your life and leaves you reflecting on love, grief and loneliness. In less than sixty minutes we live through the rise and fall of the initial spark of a newfound love through to the final nail in the relational coffin, all delivered via text message.

The play is a challenging duologue where the actors communicate to the audience the text messages they have sent between them. The writing employs a clever conceit whereby the actors address the audience for almost the entirety of the play using a whistle to punctuate the narrative with emoticons.

The sparse reality of a modern relationship teased out via mobile communication is echoed in the simplicity of the staging and direction. The strain of communicating emotions and one’s life via text is expertly conveyed through the chemistry between the brusque Scotsman falling in love with the idealistic Canadian. The distance between us is reduced to nothing via technology and yet the emotional chasm that grows in that space becomes insurmountable.

And just as this trio of fledgling young professionals teeter on the edge of the tightrope of their Fringe experience so does the play itself leave you wondering about the void the distance between us all is creating.

Well written and acted conversation and relationship through text. Very gripping and much recommended.

Brilliant, funny, hot and moving portrayal of a relationships ups and downs through text portrayed with nuance by two great actors. I really recommend this show.

Convincing portrayals of two young people and the ups and downs of their love story conducted through the both beneficial and limiting aspects of modern communication technology.
Thought-provoking and touching at the same time.

I had tears quite literally dripping down my face by the end. To think I almost didn't see this show... Beautiful and touching, and a whole new thing when you've been on both sides of this kind of relationship...

A beautiful, heartwarming piece. I found the way it was written as text conversations to be innovative and crafted a really modern love story.

An absolutely incredible show. The writing is phenomenal. Touching, tender, and universally moving. The acting is wonderfully nuanced and rich. Would recommend this show to anybody.

Wow. I’m literally in shock. What an incredible play. Incredible acting. It was just incredible. Run and see this now!

HUGE recommend !! brilliant writing, grounded acting, inSANE tension… eli’s talents in both writing AND directing are a force to be reckoned with. this format works so well and the vision is executed exquisitely !!

Beautifully written, and superbly acted. Hopeful, heartbreaking, and wonderfully poised. One of the best shows you’ll see this fringe!

Beautiful show from two incredibly skilled actors. Wonderfully restrained writing. Very refreshing! Moving and heartfelt through out with lightness and laughs too. Go watch!!

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