Distant Memories of the Near Future by David Head. The Arcola studio, 24 Ashwin Street, London until 30 November 2024,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

“The shape of things to come.”

Set in the future this play with voices off written and performed by David Head tells stories about the shape of things to come. It is funny, moving and somewhat worrying as the effect of artificial intelligence on human relationships is one of the strands. It started life at the Rosemary Branch theatre and then went on to the Edinburgh Fringe – so by now it is a polished production with impressive video projections and Head is fully in command of his stories although he had a little trouble with the studio acoustics on the opening night. There was also slap bang in the middle of the central block of seats someone who clearly found everything very funny and the owner of the cackling laugh from hell. Head rose above it but the sounds of mirth unrestrained did detract from the effect of the show. There are, of course, dating aps in plenty already but what might come postulated by Head is undeniably alarming - go find out why. As for the strand about an astronaut lost in space, this is done with a model operated by Head and while things do not end well that is hardly surprising. Some of it is actually quite hard to follow, partly because of the limitations of the studio and also the projections onto the brick back wall vary in quality. But this view of the near future raises issues enough about the not exactly brave new world we live in already and the one to come to talk about afterwards and any play that does that is to be welcomed. Nor is there any reason to quibble about Head's performance which is assured and compelling under Laura Kileen's direction.

Cast

David Head – The Narrator.

Jessica Munna - Emily

Fergus Leathen, Sian Dolding, Graham Self, Valery Lessard, Guido Garcia Lueches, Jane Grey, Robin Virginie – Voice Cast.

Creatives

Director – Laura Killeen.

Operated vy – Graham Self.

Lead Video Design – Joseph Peacock.

Sound Design – Carlos Bricio.

Graphic Design – Liz Mcleod.

Lighting Consultant – Amy Daniels.