Did You Charge Your Phone for the End of the World? feels reminiscent of Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, sending an asteroid hurtling towards Earth. The public won’t be warned until a PR agency can find the right message to communicate it, resulting in this hour-long sequence of hilarity.
Fletcher Michael (who also wrote and directed the play), Lucy Boisvert, and Collin Dennis play three creatives who have been handed down the directive from on high, an unseen client who communicates via a harshly ringing phone throughout the show.
The oppressive corporate pressure of these calls feels more immediate and dangerous than the asteroid itself at times, highlighting the illogical focus of not just the characters in Did You Charge Your Phone for the End of the World?, but also holding up a mirror to our warped real-life priorities. It’s never felt more pressing and more relevant than in 2026, when catastrophic events like pandemics, wildfires, and war have become second nature to our news cycle.
That description might make you think you’re in for a depressing ride, but that’s far from the case. The conceit of the play is electric and that carries through into the end result, in no small part thanks to the vibrant chemistry between the three actors.
As the tension ramps up and the corporate and existential stresses increase, the actors perfectly temper comedy and drama. You’re at once on the edge of your seat and giggling at their asides. Both contribute to a sense of nervousness that persists until the play’s final moments.
Each character brings something different to the table, yet there’s room in the short 60 minutes for each of them to transcend their two-dimensional natures and become fully-fledged people. That’s a testament to both Michael’s writing and the talent of the trio as actors. They each give each other space to have their own moments with remarkable grace.
For anyone who has worked in marketing, advertising, or PR, there will be plenty of vernacular that feels horribly familiar, yet it’s an accessible show that truly needs to be watched by anyone who lives on Planet Earth right now. Did You Charge Your Phone for the End of the World? is of the moment, striking a fresh tone on an age-old issue that is well worth your time this Fringe.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
