Talking About the Fire

Written and performed by Chris Thorpe

Nuclear weapons could destroy us all, right now – so why aren’t we talking about them?

Sometimes the threat slides into view – Russia invades Ukraine – but that doesn’t make the weapons more dangerous. They’re always dangerous. And one day, deliberately or accidentally, they’ll be used again.

From the team that created the award-winning Status and Confirmation, comes a show about a new nuclear weapons treaty – one that’s trying to give the power to eliminate nuclear weapons to the states, and people, who don’t possess them.

It’s a show and a conversation. We’ll talk about where we are, where we live, and why it’s important people like us talk about this at all.

Created by seven-time Fringe First winner Chris Thorpe and Claire O’Reilly (Abbey Theatre) and developed with Tony Award-winning  Rachel Chavkin.

Please note this event features strong language and themes of nuclear warfare. 

★★★★★ ‘It’s all masterfully put together… this show culminates in an encounter that really puts the ‘alive’ into ‘live theatre’. – Time Out 

★★★★★ “It’s precisely the feeling of community and comfort in the room that makes the horror of what Thorpe is describing so powerful.” – Broadway World 

★★★★ “Informative and deeply affecting… Thorpe is an assured and tremendously engaging performer.” – The Stage 

★★★★ “Chris Thorpe does what he does with a performative skill that is off-the-charts brilliant. It is an extraordinary evening of theatre.” – Theatre Reviews Hub

Supported by Battersea Arts Centre, The Albany, Véronique Christory and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 

Creative Team 

Writer & Performer | Chris Thorpe 

Director | Claire O’Reilly 

Design | Eleanor Field 

Production Manager | Rob Athorn  

Script Development | Rachel Chavkin 

• Access Information - Theatre

  Seat size

  In our theatre the seats are 38cm (15″) wide and 44.5cm (17½”) deep. The seats are 44cm (171/3”) from the floor, and have an 8cm (3”) gap between seats.

  Armrests

  Seats have armrests on either side of the seat which cannot be removed completely. Seats on rows A, C and D have armrests which can be folded away and slot between the seat backs. On all other rows armrests are fixed and cannot be folded or removed.

  Legroom

  There is 30cm (112/3“) of legroom in front of each seat, with additional legroom in rows D and L, and in Box 1 and Box 2.

  Further information

  If you have any questions about accessibility our Box Office team are always happy to help and can be contacted on 01642 525199 or by emailing [email protected] - you can also tell us about your access requirements when prompted to do so during the online booking process.

• Companion Ticket Scheme

  A free ticket is available to a companion accompanying a disabled person to an event, where it is an access requirement. To book a companion ticket or accessible seating as part of your order please contact the Box Office team on 01642 525199 or email [email protected]

  You can tell us about any other access requirements you have at the time of booking.