Frances Mayli McCann and Zachary Pang in You and It [Danny Khan]

THERE has been a proliferation of AI-inspired themes on screen, in theatre and books in recent years. Now it’s the turn of the musical.

You & It recalls Charlie Brooker’s Be Right Back, an episode from Black Mirror, the British 2013 sci fi series, in which a woman discovers technology can allow her to communicate with her dead boyfriend.

Set in the near future, foundry artist Gyujin (Zachary Pang) is devastated when his pregnant wife Mina (Frances Mayli McCann) is killed in a car crash. Bereft, he enlists the help of a scientist who recreates an AI robot in Mina’s image.

Writers Seoeun Oh (book) and Q Lee (music) set a brisk pace. Mina’s fatal accident occurs after the opening duet, Our Own Little Paradise, giving us little opportunity to invest in her as a character.

At first Gyujin is delighted to have his wife restored to him, but the cracks in their relationship begin to show as he perceives the differences between Mina and her AI counterpart.

The story is mainly sung-through, with 16 numbers performed in just 85 interval-free minutes, accompanied by four terrific musicians led by MD Amy Hsu.

However, the score leans towards the saccharine and its emotional tone varies little, even as the narrative darkens.

It’s competently staged by Esther Jun, if a little safe. The two-person cast is undeniably talented – McCann has a terrific voice but her character is bland; Pang has more to work with.

The musical would have benefited from greater dramatic tension and a deeper interrogation of the AI questions it raises.

Until September 26
kingsheadtheatre.com/