If love really does make the world go around, it’s confirmed by the stage version of Trent Dalton’s compendium of real-life love stories, collected on a Brisbane street corner and published in 2021. Captured in the moment on Dalton’s old-school typewriter, these hopelessly devoted everyday epiphanies include proposals by flashmob, reunions across generations and musings on how love lives on beyond death.

With Dalton riding high on the 2024 Netflix adaptation of his 2018 semi-autobiographical novel, Boy Swallows Universe, Love Stories was first seen on stage last year at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Adapted by Tim McGarry and directed by Sam Strong, it reunites the trio behind the 2021 stage version of Boy Swallows Universe.

Closer to home, additional writing and story comes from Dalton and fellow journalist Fiona Franzmann. Given that Dalton and Franzmann also happen to be married, this should give an extra frisson to the couple’s own story which is used as a framing device between each rapid-fire vignette. Despite the accompanying conflicts that come with the territory, Dalton and co have created an unashamedly gooey grown-up confection which has been brought to intimate life. For those starting out on a story of their own, it would also make an unforgettable date. 

Trent Dalton’s Love Stories, Adelaide Festival Centre, 12–16 March, times vary.