Following its award-winning, sold-out debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return has revealed first-look production images of its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough.
Set over one chaotic night in austerity-hit Luton, the play follows two best friends navigating the highs of youth against a backdrop of systemic neglect and rising knife crime. The production is a lyrical tapestry of violence, defiance and hope.
The cast includes Midlands-born actor and Spotlight Prize finalist Elan Butler (Masters of The Air, AppleTV+; Fishcat, Nottingham Playhouse/Warwick Arts Centre), Nathaniel Christian (Much Ado About Nothing, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Dalgliesh, Channel 5), and Leanne Henlon (Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner, Royal Court/New York Transfer; Jitney, Leeds Playhouse/The Old Vic).
Written by Sam Edmunds, who grew up in Luton, the play draws on lived experience and conversations with young people affected by knife violence. Edmunds says, “We can’t wait to bring this new version of Chaos to London and across the regions, with a phenomenal cast and creative team, bringing new energy to the piece. This show is a labour of love, built from my own lived experience, and so it is a total joy to share this story with audiences. I can’t wait for people to join our party!”
The production is co-directed by Edmunds and Vikesh Godhwani, both multi award-winning creatives and co-founders of Chalk Line Theatre. The creative team also includes Movement Director and Intimacy Coordinator Jess Tucker Boyd, Designer Rob Miles, and Composer Matteo Depares.
Chalk Line Theatre will also deliver a national impact programme on knife crime intervention, supported by the Ben Kinsella Trust, reaching thousands of young people across the UK.
A special Q&A will be held on Tuesday 9th September at Southwark Playhouse Borough featuring Tony Award-winning writer David Edgar (The New Reel, Royal Shakespeare Company; Nicholas Nickleby, Aldwych Theatre).
Listings and ticket information can be found here
