Isabella Marshall stars in Precipice, a bold new electro-folk musical premiering at New Diorama Theatre this November. The production is the debut show from Timelapse Theatre, a company dedicated to creating innovative music theatre inspired by identity, technology, and catastrophe.
Directed by Adam Lenson and created by a team of six writers, Precipice tells a gripping story across two timelines, exploring survival, truth, and the consequences of crisis. Marshall plays Maggie, one of five multi-skilled actor-musicians bringing this genre-defying show to life.
Precipice runs at New Diorama Theatre from 11 November to 13 December 2025, with performances Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 3pm. Tickets are available here.
You’re starring in Precipice at New Diorama Theatre – what can you tell us about the show?
Precipice is a new musical! It follows two timelines – present day and 400 years into the future. A biomedical emergency threatens those in the present, whilst those in the future struggle to maintain what little balance they have.
The timelines converge within the small confines of a single flat in Greenwich – where better to mark both the beginning of time and the end of it!?
Precipice features a unique electro-folk musical style and a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians. What’s it been like working in this kind of ensemble?
There were multiple composers amongst the writers and it’s created a really rich and varied score. Music Supervisor & Creator Annabelle has been taking us through the music this week so our heads are very full but buzzing!
It’s such a joy to work with such amazing musicians and singers, and having to work together in this way adds a whole other dimension to the ensemble. I’m just in awe of everyone really.
The electro-folk fusion has also been so much fun to explore… think folky strings with synth and vocoder: it’s going to be bonkers but beautiful!
Your character, Maggie, is part of a story that spans centuries. What can you share about Maggie’s journey and how you approached the role?
Maggie comes from the future. She’s a utilitarian – a natural leader who fights hard to keep order in the new world.
We’re still exploring Maggie’s backstory but there’s definitely a softness to her too. At the moment it’s all about finding out why she is the way she is. Libby, the designer, has also really helped us all to imagine what the future might look like for those characters.
The show explores themes of crisis, humanity, and hope. What part of the story resonates most with you personally?
Having come to it from Maggie’s POV, it’s been interesting to explore the sheer breadth of her steeliness in the face of crisis. She is prepared to sacrifice a huge amount personally for the good of the community.
Faced with impossible decisions, it feels important to explore how complicit each character is – and that feels very relevant at the moment.
How has it been collaborating with a team of six writers and working under the direction of Adam Lenson?
It’s been a dream. Adam explained how collaborative the writing process had been prior to rehearsals. He mentioned how it felt like there was no ego in the room – anyone could contribute or change anything.
Adam has very much transferred that way of working into the rehearsal room and it’s a very exciting starting point. We’re still making decisions about the script and adapting music. It feels like so much care is going into the making of this show.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Precipice?
Come! It’s mad and different and new. There’s monopoly, there’s a cat… there’s a song about making a sandwich.
It’s dark and funny, intimate and epic!
