Every year at the Edinburgh Fringe I am always amazed by the sheer number of venues that take part in the festival. One such location that I have never visited in person is Bedlam Theatre, just a short walk from George Square. Year-round it is the permanent home of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company and during the Fringe it hosts various acts. ‘The End of the Line’ is part of the venue’s Fringe season and the comedy drama looks at how humans will act and come together when they are faced with the end of the world. I had the opportunity to ask writer and director Alice Humphries some questions about the show, which also recently won the venue’s Fringe funding.
Your apocalyptic comedy drama ‘The End of the Line’ is making its Edinburgh Fringe debut this year. What inspired you to write a show about six strangers stuck on a train in the wake of a nuclear threat?
The idea came from a mix of fascination and fear about how people respond to crises, especially when they’re forced together in confined, mundane spaces. There’s something inherently absurd about the world ending while you’re stuck on a commuter train with strangers, trying to make polite small talk while everything outside is falling apart. I was also thinking a lot about the current political climate, how we’re constantly being told the world is teetering on the edge, yet we’re expected to carry on as normal, go to work, respond to emails. That surreal contrast felt ripe for comedy. The End of the Line is an apocalyptic story, but mostly it’s about how much of ourselves we really reveal when there’s no time left to pretend.
What can you tell me about the six people at the heart of this story?
This story follows six characters. Lynn, a hardened conservative politician. Clarissa, a primary school teacher by day and a psychic by night – actually the other days, she works part time. Amy, a marketing professional who’s done everything right, if she ignores the creeping existential dread. Myles, her boyfriend who never really left private school. Darren, the train controller with a surprisingly open mind and heart, and finally Ben. Him and Amy are old friends and possibly something more, but they haven’t spoken in five years. No better place to catch up though, than on an imminently exploding tube car.
How has winning the Bedlam Theatre’s Fringe funding helped you to bring the show to the festival for 2025?
It has made this whole show possible. As well as the use of Bedlam’s venue, we have been able to improve our marketing with the brilliant photography work of Andrew Perry. We set our photo shoot in a disused Subway car provided by the kind people at the Hidden Lane in Finnieston. We have also been able to be more ambitious with our set. Our designers Ava Tumblety and Em Leites McPherson, have created a tube inspired back drop mural and made a custom moquette for the tube seat fabric, that features an image of Bedlam Theatre.
With three years of Fringe experience, what have you learned in previous years that will help you going into this year’s run?
I have been involved with many different aspects of the Fringe onstage and off. From my time performing I’ve learnt about flyering strategies (the more ridiculous, the better) and the importance of sleep (very). The Fringe has so many fantastic shows and experiences on offer so it’s important to be organised, adaptable and be ready to give yourself a break if things inevitably stray from the plan.
‘The End of the Line’ reflects on the meaning of existence. What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
I really hope that audiences take away how much we all owe to each other. It’s impossible to go through the ridiculous act of living, alone. Really, if there’s any meaning, then surely it’s in the laughter between you and a friend. So tell them you love them, nonchalance is overrated. Also I hope audiences have a good laugh, because what’s funnier than our impending doom?
If you had to summarise the play in one word, what would it be and why?
Ludicrous (in a good way)
Apocalyptic-themed theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe
I really like what Alice said about the importance of going through life with others. It certainly sounds like the kind of show that will make you laugh and reflect on what it means to be faced with the end. You can catch the show at Bedlam Theatre from 30th July to 10th August. Performances start daily at 12:30, with tickets available via the festival’s website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
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