This Little Earth

Jessica Norman’s This Little Earth is an intelligent and witty new play, downstairs in the the Arcola theatre, that explores why people fall down the conspiracy theory rabbit hole - and how far they’ll go to prove a point. Though its premise is strong and its dialogue frequently sharp, it doesn’t quite fulfil its promise.

In a world dominated by misinformation and distrust, Norman’s story feels timely. The play follows two flat-earthers, Honey and Christopher, as they embark on a trip to Antarctica in search of the edge of the world. Beneath the absurdity lies a poignant truth: both characters are grieving, her for her sister who died of cancer, him for the daughter he doesn’t see anymore. They are both desperate for meaning and belonging, “I’ve never had a purpose in my life before,” Honey admits - a line that captures the play’s most affecting theme, the human need to believe in something, however improbable.

The script touches on rich themes - grief, vulnerability, and the seductive power of belonging - but too often skims the surface. It also struggles tonally, never quite deciding whether it wants to dive deep into the political issues it explores or become an absurdist satire. The final act, which turns meta with a Truman Show-style twist; a conspiracy talk show host saying we’re all penguins watching a play, feels more like a gimmick than a revelation, denying the audience a satisfying resolution.

That said, the production design is atmospheric and immersive, and the two-hander cast carry the show with commitment. Fanta Barrie, as Honey, delivers a particularly nuanced performance, balancing humour and heartbreak with grace.

This Little Earth is thoughtful and relevant, a play full of potential that, like its characters, is searching for meaning but never quite finds its edge.