When Grace’s mum first attempted to publish her unconventional dating guide in the late 1980s, she was warned it would set feminism back decades. Now, that same unapologetic handbook is stepping into the spotlight in An A to Z Guide to Dating, a lively new musical comedy written and performed by Grace O’Keefe.
Transforming her mother’s original work, Feast at the Famine, into a vibrant stage piece, O’Keefe explores romance, relationships and the pressures we inherit from previous generations. Featuring original music that spans 80s synthpop to heartfelt show tunes, the production offers a humorous and insightful journey through the alphabet of dating advice.
At its core, the show is a celebration of the complicated, often chaotic dynamics between parent and child. It examines how societal expectations shape personal choices while encouraging audiences to reflect on modern dating and feminism. Through a charming and energetic performance, O’Keefe brings her mother’s voice to life while carving out her own perspective on love and independence.
“I am so excited to be exposing audiences to my mom’s dating advice book, which has been locked away in a file cabinet for the past forty years,” says O’Keefe. “Now when the dating landscape is more dire than ever, I am thrilled to teach the masses how to date ‘plentifully’ as my mother advises.”
Developed through Soho Theatre’s Drag and Cabaret Lab, this marks O’Keefe’s debut solo show at the Fringe, following previous success with productions including Summoning Sondheim and Bad Teacher.
An A to Z Guide to Dating runs at Underbelly (Buttercup) from 5 – 31 August at 17:15. Tickets are on sale here
