one4review | On 22, Aug 2026

As a huge John Cusack fan, I know the 1989 film ‘Say Anything’ well, so The Tao of Lloyd immediately appealed: what exactly happened to Lloyd Dobler after the cameras stopped rolling?

Dennis Trainor Jr’s sharply written monologue provides an ingenious answer. We are participants at a wellness retreat, awaiting the closing Dharma talk from Lloyd, a last-minute replacement for Deepak Chopra, who has withdrawn following allegations concerning his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Lloyd now hosts a podcast aimed at the “spiritually curious and politically furious”, while his former girlfriend Diane (yes – that relationship collapsed after the end credits) has gone firmly to the dark side, working for a company seemingly intent on developing technology to humanity’s detriment. Diane still believes in Lloyd though – and urges him to work smarter to try and change the political landscape around him.

Lloyd sees the retreat’s goal as showing how we can change ourselves so that we might challenge, and ultimately change, the world around us. But Lloyd has plenty to say about how we got here. As a Gen X child, he reflects on the promise of the 1960s and how comprehensively it was squandered. Assassinations, Reaganism and 9/11 chart a path towards an America led by Trump.

Guy Masterson’s production is clever, funny and politically furious, and though it may seem rather ‘America-centric’ we are all sufficiently steeped in today’s global horror show for Lloyd’s anger, frustration and search for a better way to resonate everywhere. And you don’t have to be a fan of John Cusack, or to have seen the film to love this show.

****1/2
Reviewed by Rona
12.25 to 13.25
Assembly Rooms George Street – Drawing Room
Until 30th August