Review: IS NOW A GOOD TIME? Out of Chaos

Ever experienced speaking on the phone during a show? It would usually result in some angry theatregoers and a flashlight being shone in your face by the usher. However, in a year where there are no “rules” to theatre, there’s something unusual and fun about using it to engage new ideas. Out of Chaos have created Is Now A Good Time?, where you need to be glued to your phone at all times.

The past twelve months have showcased the levels of versatility theatre will go through to deliver content to their audiences. Is Now A Good Time? Is the first over the phone performance I have experienced, but I’m hoping it won’t be the last. Three creators, Adam Barnard, Laura Mugridge and Paul O’Mahony deliver the story of a workplace romance, through a telephone survey. It’s a cold call you actually want to invest in!

For around an hour, you, the survey volunteer, is put through your paces with a list of random, bizarre questions. These range from my favourite desert, to what song makes me happy. The range of topics covered is vast and in such a short space of time, little do you know how important you are to the story. Having my happy song played as the hold music was a particular poignant part of the experience. There are so many moments that however bizarre the questions seem, it is joyous and so unique to what I have experienced before. I was very reluctant to hang up the phone at the end.

This is a very different theatrical experience and Out of Chaos do a superb job in ensuring you are fully invested in the two characters for the entire duration of your time on the phone. I will never take those cold calls for granted again! It’s the easiest 5 star review I’ve given in a while! Unique, joyous and barmy!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt

Is Now A Good Time? is touring until 24 May. For more information and tickets, please click here.

Please note that this review can also be seen on Carpe Diem Emmie’s website.