Award-winning writer-performer Daniel Bye returns with his first solo show in seven years, Imaginary Friends. The show will debut at Soho Theatre Upstairs from Monday, 19th May to Saturday, 24th May 2025, with the press night on 19th May at 6:30 pm.
Imaginary Friends tells the story of a struggling TV comedian who begins to listen to the wrong voices in his head following a tragic bereavement. This bold, genre-defying exploration of identity and conscience delves into an age where authenticity is commodified and constantly questioned. As Bye’s character seeks solace in the company of his imaginary friends, he loses touch with his moral compass and reality.
Daniel Bye comments, “I’m really excited to bring this black comedy about comedy to Soho, London’s premiere home for both searching, thoughtful comedy and challenging contemporary theatre. Imaginary Friends aims to be both. It takes inspiration from several contemporary themes – among them the power of satire to change anything, the growing toxicity of public debate and the rise of non-human voices in the public conversation. All of that is thrown in the mix with a real grief and loss to create what I think is a thrilling ride through the topical and the timeless. And after an extensive national tour, Soho is the perfect London home for it.”
Imaginary Friends was originally commissioned by Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle, where an earlier version ran in March-April 2024. It is produced by Alphabetti with ARC Stockton and will embark on an extensive UK tour in spring 2025, with additional UK, US, and international dates to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
