Talking About The Fire
by China Plate and Staatstheater Mainz
Created by Chris Thorpe and Claire O’Reilly
Written and performed by Chris Thorpe
Developed with Rachel Chavkin
Nuclear weapons could destroy us all, right now - so why aren't we talking about them?
Sometimes the threat slides into view - Russia invades Ukraine - but that doesn’t make the weapons more dangerous. They’re always dangerous. And one day, deliberately or accidentally, they’ll be used again.
From the team that created the award-winning Status and Confirmation, comes a show about a new nuclear weapons treaty - one that’s trying to give the power to eliminate nuclear weapons to the states, and people, who don’t possess them.
It’s a show and a conversation. We'll talk about where we are, where we live, and why it's important people like us talk about this at all.
Created by seven-time Fringe First winner Chris Thorpe and Claire O’Reilly (Abbey Theatre) and developed with Tony Award-winning Rachel Chavkin.
Show length: 90 minutes
Age suitability: 14+
Content warnings: Strong language, themes of nuclear warfare
Supported by Battersea Arts Centre, the Albany, Véronique Christory and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Thimblemill Library
Wednesday 23rd April 2025 at 7pm
Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick B67 5RJ
Travel and access information
Cost: Free
Tipton Library
Monday 12th May 2025 at 7pm
Tipton Library, Carnegie Building, Victoria Road, Tipton, DY4 8SR
Travel and access information
Cost: Free
Creative Team
Writer & Performer | Chris Thorpe
Director | Claire O’Reilly
Designer | Eleanor Field
Lighting Designer | Arnim Friess
Re-lighter | Rob Athorn
Production Manager | Rob Athorn
Deputy Production Manager | Adam Steed
Script developed with | Rachel Chavkin and Staatstheater Mainz
Collaborator/Advisor | Véronique Christory
Youth Advisor | Zainab Rauf Tramboo
Reviews
★★★★★ ‘It’s all masterfully put together… this show culminates in an encounter that really puts the ‘alive’ into ‘live theatre’. – Time Out
★★★★★ “It’s precisely the feeling of community and comfort in the room that makes the horror of what Thorpe is describing so powerful.” – Broadway World
★★★★ “Informative and deeply affecting… Thorpe is an assured and tremendously engaging performer.” – The Stage
★★★★ “Chris Thorpe does what he does with a performative skill that is off-the-charts brilliant. It is an extraordinary evening of theatre.” – Theatre Reviews Hub
Pay What You Can: These events are free to attend, but we’re asking you to consider making a donation to help support future events like these if you can afford to do so. There will be a donation point at the event where you can make a donation for your ticket if you would like to.
