Smiley | Liam Burke, Sergio Ulloa Torres & Matt Young
Do opposites really attract?
Great 20th century philosophers Paula Abdul and MC Skat Kat would argue so. It’s THE question posed by many modern rom-coms. Take two people from completely different worlds, throw them together, mix in equal parts conflict, misunderstandings and sexual tension and sparks will fly, right?
Despite being a classic story trope that lovers of rom-coms can’t get enough it, it’s still a rarity to see it in queer storytelling. Bring on Smiley, a new take on this type of rom-com, made with modern gay twist. And hits Brisbane just in time for this year’s Pride festival.
Image: Black Dog Media
Smiley is an intimate two-hander written by Guillem Clua, which debuted in Spain in 2013 and has since taken Europe and the Americas by storm. With such a reputation, it was perfect fodder for director Liam Burke to bring to Brisbane for Pride. He has adapted and directed the English language version with local talents Matt Young and Sergio Ulloa Torres to bring this cute
Smiley is an ode to the dilemmas finding love in the era of apps and endless physical distractions, to romantic comedies of yesterday and to the city of Barcelona. It tells the story of two men who superficially couldn’t be more different, but who may just be exactly what each other needs if they can only give each other a chance.
It’s refreshing, surprisingly, to see a gay love story where both its characters are comfortable in their own skin. Even in 2020, in the biggest queer rom-com of the year, “Happiest Season”, one of the main characters is struggling to come out to her family. In Smiley, no one’s in the closet or struggling with their sexuality. The characters aren’t punished for being sex positive and living their great queer lives. Like most of us, all they need to do is get over themselves and realise what they actually want from life and a partner.
Image: Black Dog Media
Any intimate production lives and dies in its casting and luckily, Smiley is in good hands. Sergio Ulloa Torres and Matt Young effortlessly bring both the comedic chops and depth needed to charm the audience and make Smiley work. Ulloa Torres plays Álex with a fiery and cocky exterior, with the hints of the inner romantic so desperate for love He flaunts his character’s physique as much for Bruno and the audience, leaving no complaints whatsoever from anyone. Young matches him with a Bruno full of vulnerability, awkwardness and a touch of old Hollywood. He also plays a range of Álex’s hook-up, infusing each with their own unique character. Together, their chemistry and banter endears them to the audience.
Burke’s direction keeps the momentum flowing throughout. You wouldn’t know that Burke faced the unenviable task to rehearsing with his two stars via Zoom for much of the lead up to the production. His blocking has the leads dancing, often literally, across the stage using every inch of the space and infusing the work with the life it needs and keeping us engaged throughout.
All in all, Smiley was a winner with the audience; the perfect feel good rom-com for Pride season. It’s not particularly deep stuff, but in the very capable hands of the director and cast, we were absorbed from Álex’s first mistaken voicemail to the will they/won’t they ending. The banter and retorts throughout kept us giggling, and the flesh and physicality left a number of patrons screaming out for more. Smiley is light and fun, full of sass, tied up with good heart. It’s great escapism for those of us who, spoiler warning, want to see love conquer all.
Image: Black Dog Media
