PRECIPICE takes place in a high-rise block of flats in Greenwich with an idyllic view of the Thames. Set four centuries apart the residents change although the dangers are similar and the future remains uncertain.

Ash played by Eric Stroud is a doctor working in the laboratory looking at the effects of antibiotics and issues around their immunity from overuse and Emily (Holly Freeman) is working in Westminster in the civil service. The couple have just bought their new flat with lovely views over the Thames, their future is looking promising.

Fast forward a few centuries and a group are now living in the same block of flats with one aim, to stay self-contained and alive. After all the water was polluted four centuries ago and they needed to follow the rules laid out by those who were there before them. Electricity is running low and they need to start reducing the usage in the hope that there’s about five years left in the reserves.

However, the Greenhouse floor in the building is growing their food and the Musical instruments keep them entertained and busy as a group. They are extremely talented too and have created a great range of songs that are all in keeping with the situation they are in.

There are many other influences in PRECIPICE from apocalyptic films and I saw a hint of the 1991 second Highlander film where people are living in fear under a false ozone layer and aren’t sure what’s going on beyond the safety of what they know. The group aren’t sure what the air and water are like outside the high-rise.

PRECIPICE‘s creator/Director Adam Lenson brings the past and the future together combining their stories alternatively to fully understand what took place four hundred years ago that led to the living situation in the current day. The storyline flows effortlessly. Each character adding depth, fear and hope to the storyline.

After living through a pandemic and witnessing the hoarding behaviour and shop shortages that took place. These are discussed throughout the play and would be expected of people faced with the same situation that Ash and Emily find themselves in. One wrong turn and this could quite easily become a reality.

For more information about PRECIPICE and future productions at New Diorama please use the link below.

Four Stars

Photo credit Alex Brenner.

https://newdiorama.com/whats-on/precipice

https://www.timelapsetheatre.com/

Cast

Max Alexander-Taylor-Biscuits

Holly Freeman-Emily/Zoe

Isabella Marshall-Maggie

Melinda Orengo-Piper

Eric Stroud-Ash/Leo.