Stage: South African production of Sam Steiner’s acclaimed Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons

Imagine if you were limited by legislation to only using a certain amount of words a day. In the play, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, two young people in love have to navigate a new reality.  How do they respond personally and politically? The play by Manchester writer, Sam Steiner was first performed in 2015. It was a hit during several runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. There was a revival in 2023 on London’s West End and the play has ignited vital conversations around “exploration of love, communication, and the human condition.” The first South African production of the play was presented in December [2024] at the Toneelhuis Theatre in Cape Town and now returns to two venues: Theatre Arts in Observatory and The Drama Factory in Somerset West. The production stars Jessie Diepeveen and Maxim du Toit and is directed by Henu Baden. Read on for more. Info as supplied:

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS

More Cape Town dates for the first SA production of Sam Steiner’s award-winning play

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, the critically acclaimed romcom by UK playwright Sam Steiner, is on at Theatre Arts in Observatory for three nights in February before moving to the Drama Factory in Somerset West in March.

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons delighted audiences with its South African debut at the Toneelhuis Theatre in Cape Town in December 2024. This tender and thought-provoking production explores the power of language, restraint, and human connection in a world where words are limited.

Maxim du Toit and Jessie Diepeveen, both accomplished young actors and theatre professionals, lead the cast in this emotionally resonant production. Maxim has worked across local and international film, television and theatre, and is also the producer of this exciting new work. Jessie is both a key cast member and co-presenter of this production. Recognized for bringing both energy and sensitivity to her stage performances, she made her writing debut with Fleur du Cap nominated Patisserie Femme.

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is the directorial debut of writer and actor Henu Baden, whose recent successes include tours with award-winning productions such as Every Brilliant Thing and Die keiser se nuwe klere.

About the play

In a world where spoken language is restricted to a set number of words, the choices we make about what we say – and don’t say – take on profound meaning. Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons follows Oliver and Bernadette, two people grappling with the limits of communication and the impact it has on their relationship. Hilarious yet poignant, the play explores what happens when we can no longer speak freely and how humans continue to communicate through actions, body language, and the spaces between words.

First performed in 2015, the play enjoyed several runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it was a hit with both audiences and critics. It has since gained international acclaim, including a major revival in London’s West End in 2023. It has been performed around the world and remains a favourite for its witty yet deep exploration of love, communication, and the human condition.

Director’s note

“Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is about restraint. In a world where spoken language is restricted, what you choose to spend your words on, or what words you choose to withhold, becomes of equal significance.

“I was instantly hooked by this premise when Jessie Diepeveen placed the play on my bedside table (about a year ago) without a word, knowing very well that I would read it. A simple wordless gesture is why we are sat in this theatre today. A universal coincidence if you like.

“Our intention with this text was always to show off the actors and their endless potential. It simply is a performer’s script and therefore I wanted to strip back all the theatrical elements and focus on the multiple ways humans communicate. Whether it be body language, breathing, eye contact, proximity and space, the aim is to answer one question: Do actions indeed speak louder than words?”

Henu Baden

Performance dates and times

The run will begin at Theatre Arts in Observatory.

Opening night: February 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Theatre Arts, Observatory.

Show dates: February 25-26, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Theatre Arts, Observatory.

Tickets are available now. Visit www.theatrearts.co.za for ticket information and bookings.

The show will then move to The Drama Factory in Somerset West.

Opening night March 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM at The Drama Factory, Somerset West.

Show dates: March 2025 7, 8, 14 at 7:30 PM at The Drama Factory Somerset West.

And two matinee shows on March 8 and 15 at 3:00 PM at The Drama Factory, Somerset West.

Tickets are available now. Visit https://www.dramafactory.co.za/whatson for ticket information and bookings.

More about the cast and creators

Maxim du Toit

Maxim du Toit is a graduate of the Waterfront Theatre School and furthered his craft at Pinewood Studios in London. He has worked across local and international film, television and theatre, and away from the stage and screen, is also a voice actor and passionate boxing coach. He is thrilled to bring Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons to life as the producer.

Jessie Diepeveen

Jessie Diepeveen is a graduate of the University of Cape Town whose stage credits include both English and Afrikaans versions of The Emperor’s New Clothes and the innovative Boxed for hearing-impaired audiences. Her writing debut, Patisserie Femme, received two Fleur du Cap nominations in 2024.

Henu Baden

Hailing from Mpumalanga, UCT graduate Henu Baden is a talented actor and writer whose past performances include Every Brilliant Thing and Die keiser se nuwe klere. Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is his first outing as director and an expression of his commitment to showcasing the power of performance.

About Sam Steiner

Sam Steiner is a Manchester-born playwright and screenwriter whose best-known work includes A Table Tennis Play, You Stupid Darkness!, and Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons. His plays have been performed globally, and Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons continues to be a standout piece in his body of work, loved for its clever dialogue and exploration of language.

Audience Reviews

Milton,4, “A rollercoaster ride of a watch, and a pleasure to witness such acting talent. “

Alecs,5,”Written so well, performed beautifully, and something that will resonate with everyone”

Laura,5,”This show was treated with the care and respect of a seasoned professional, not someone making their directorial debut. The subtleties of the performance, stage space and script made for an incredibly refreshing and engaging theatre experience. Congrats Henu, Max and Jessie! “

Linda, 5,”Lovely, intimate theatre space perfect for this play! Wonderfully invested performances by both actors that made the play compelling to watch. I felt the staging and absence of props allowed me to focus solely on the words / story, physicality aspects of the performances, and ultimately the messaging of the play. Well done to cast and director!”

❇ Jessie Diepeveen and Maxim du Toit in Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, by Sam Steiner, Cape Town 2025. Sponsored content. Images supplied.