Trust Me, It’s the End of Our World After All

Beyond the Yard’s new post-apocalyptic drama at the Blue Room, Trust Me, It’s the End of Our World After All, is an intriguing play that blends family drama and squabbles, with life and death situations. A show with strong premise, well drawn performances, and excellent production values, it holds its audience throughout.

Set in a very realistic underground bunker, expertly created by Owen Davis, and dressed with ring-of-truth detail by Bianca Roose, there is a wonderful sense of place in a world that has been decimated by a deadly virus. Three siblings argue, love each other, and continue to survive in their relative peace until a stranger arrives, in possession of their missing mother’s gas mask.

Strong performances throughout. Producer Bubble Maynard plays eldest sibling Holly with uneasy authority, in a performance with great depth. Youngest sister Carrie is given lovely layers by Bianca Roose in a performance with lots of spark, while Liam Longley is excellent as conflicted brother Marcus. Joe Haworth gives outsider Rich a great sense of mystery in a dynamic and moving portrayal. Audio visual monologues give us a great insight into the characters’ inner thoughts and realisations - well designed by Pete Townsend. 

Strong lighting choices from Jolene Whibley and thoughtful sound design from Pete Townsend help build a sense of rising tension. Lots of great turns and surprises throughout.

This is a well-directed production that allows us to be absorbed into an offbeat but high-stakes story. A show that captures its audience and refuses to let go. 

Kimberley Shaw