THIS LITTLE EARTH

Arcola Theatre

★★★★

“the script and performances had me uncontrollably laughing throughout”

This play was quite possibly the best way to end my week. When my friend asked me what I was off to see Friday night I sent him the first few sentences of the synopsis for the play, his response, “That first sentence grabbed me dude” and I can’t disagree with him “Two Flat-Earthers travel to Antarctica to find the edge of the world”. I was hooked! This Little Earth was something I hadn’t yet seen or heard of being put on a stage and it explored much more than I expected.

Without giving too much away, This Little Earth is a retrospective rollercoaster jumping you from different continents and points in time. The story follows Honey and Christopher who start in perilous circumstances with the audience left on a literal cliff-hanger as we are cut to their meeting over extremely awkward flirting and shared tragic backstories. We then follow them through their preparations to journey as far South as you possibly could in hopes to find “the edge of the world”.

This play, whilst harmlessly poking a little fun at the Flat-Earth theory, also explores a wide range of deep themes and emotions that will engage all audiences.

I couldn’t help wondering throughout, how much time in research writer Jessica Norman spent with Flat-Earthers. Because, whilst watching these characters discuss their opinions on the matter using similar rhetoric that an ex-colleague of mine and proud Flat-Earther previously had, it made me do a mental double take from hearing similar arguments and talking points that it felt eerily too familiar. It can be easy to dismiss conspiracy theorists as crazies, but Jessica Norman found a way to allow audiences to gain a little sympathy and understanding to how easy it is for your beliefs to change with a lot of help from algorithms and echo chambers.

Admittedly, I am a tough audience member to crack at comedies. But, the script and performances had me uncontrollably laughing throughout whilst also developing an irrational fear of penguins.

Fanta Barrie and Ross O’Donnellan, directed by Imy Wyatt Corner delivered sensational, dynamic performances. Their connections to their characters and each other were captivating to watch with an expressive display of emotion over a multitude of tough subjects and themes. So much so that the audience needs little imagination to be transported around the globe with them. I look forward to seeing what they tackle next.

A special mention to the set (Cat Fuller), lighting (Hugo Dodsworth) and sound (Jamie Lu) team. There were honestly moments I caught myself in awe at the visuals and hearing echoes bouncing around the theatre that made me think I was trapped in a cavern with the cast. The set deceptively looks very minimalistic to begin with. It gave the impression of an Antarctica where Superman could happily hang up his cape at the end of the day. The team at 3 Hearts Canvas brought this original piece to life and if I saw this being performed again in the future I will eagerly push as many people as I can to watch it again with me.