Theatre show looks at the history of lonely hearts (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Theatre show looks at the history of lonely hearts

2:03pm Friday 6th July 2012 in Freetime By Alexandra Rucki

An experimental theatre début is looking at the reasons why people advertise for love.

Reply to PO Box 49: A History of the Lonely Heart delves into the past of the first lonely hearts advertisement printed in 1695.

Battersea based production company Curious Dave and Screen Deep have collaborated to create a world of love, loss and longing in this unique production.

The play is taking place in the Battersea Mess and Music Hall, the first time the venue has hosted a live show.

A team of more than 50 people explore how lonely arts ads have developed since the Matrimonial Gazette of the 1700s into the popular internet sites of today.

However, the company found there were more similarities than differences in the ads over time, with people blaming a lack of community as a reason they struggle to find a partner.

Audiences are left to discover stories hidden within the venue as they are taken on a 150 minute journey on the history of the quest for love.

Stories are interweave with each other, ranging from three 19th century sisters desperate to secure a man for financial security to a 1980's dating agency.

Curious Dave describe the creation of the piece as a labour of love, which aims to leave the audience moved, amused and intrigued.

Reply to PO Box 49: A History of the Lonely Heart, Battersea Mess and Music Hall, Lavender Gardens, Battersea, until July 14, 7.30pm, matinee performance on Saturday 3pm, Tickets £10, visit replytopobox49.com