Following its award-winning sold-out debut at Edinburgh Fringe, The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return has announced the cast for its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough. Set against the backdrop of a post 2008 financial crash, this compelling production from Chalk Line Theatre follows two best friends as they chase the highs of youth against a backdrop of systemic neglect.
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| Photo by Harry Elletson. |
The production stars Midlands-born actor and writer and Spotlight Prize finalist Elan Butler (Masters of The Air, AppleTV+; Fishcat, Nottingham Playhouse/Warwick Arts Centre). Set over one chaotic night in austerity-hit Luton, he will be joined by Nathaniel Christian (Much Ado About Nothing, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Dalgliesh, Channel 5) and Leanne Henlon (Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner, Royal Court/New York Transfer; Jitney, Leeds Playhouse/The Old Vic).
Writer Sam Edmunds, who grew up in Luton, draws on his own experiences and in-depth conversations with young people and those directly affected by knife violence. Set against the backdrop of a growing national crisis, the production explores how easily vulnerable individuals from working-class communities can be drawn into violence, and how unaddressed anger can lead to tragic consequences. Knife crime has risen sharply, with 47,300 offences recorded across the UK, and 18 per cent of convictions involving children aged just 10 to 17.
The number of teenagers killed with a knife has increased by 240 per cent over the past decade, highlighting a deeply troubling trend. Edmunds’ work sheds light on the harsh realities facing young people in deprived areas and communities that have suffered years of systemic neglect.
This powerful production is a lyrical tapestry of violence, defiance and hope. Known for their sharp, political storytelling, Chalk Line delivers a production that is both urgent and poetic. What starts as a blur of noughties bangers and corner-shop gin spirals into something darker – a raw, real-time collision of friendship, violence, and survival. Told with biting wit and lyrical intensity, this production is a powerful exploration of class, identity and the rage of a generation forced to fight for freedom, while also capturing the universal and relatable experience of transition and uncertainty that accompanies major life changes.
We sat down with cast member Nathaniel Christian to learn more.
What can you tell me about the show?
A show about being a 16 year old teen in a normal English town, but to him it’s his entire World. The audience are taken on an epic journey where the mundane becomes almost mythical in the way the actors bring to life the images. Through multi-rolling and movement the ideas of this teen and the town come to life.
A show about being a 16 year old teen in a normal English town, but to him it’s his entire World. The audience are taken on an epic journey where the mundane becomes almost mythical in the way the actors bring to life the images. Through multi-rolling and movement the ideas of this teen and the town come to life.
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| Photo by Harry Elletson. |
How would you describe the style of the show?
Full of Energy, in yer face theatre. It’s a play that is completely the opposite of naturalistic and is action packed from the minute the audience sit down.
Full of Energy, in yer face theatre. It’s a play that is completely the opposite of naturalistic and is action packed from the minute the audience sit down.
What drew you to this piece?
The style and energy drew me in initially. I had done very subtle and naturalistic plays before this and really wanted to dive into a project that was the opposite of that. It actually terrifies me how different it is and how much it requires of me but the Chalk Line Team have been supporting me throughout the process which has helped with confidence.
The style and energy drew me in initially. I had done very subtle and naturalistic plays before this and really wanted to dive into a project that was the opposite of that. It actually terrifies me how different it is and how much it requires of me but the Chalk Line Team have been supporting me throughout the process which has helped with confidence.
How have you approached building your version of the character?
Listening to the music the play was set in has helped massively. Set around 2008-2012 so a lot of Katy Perry, N-Dubz, Tinie Tempah the lot. The place has an abundance of locations, characters and images so I try and find the images or draw everything I refer to in the play. Seeing what I talk about no only helps the lines sink in deeper but connects me to the language more.
Listening to the music the play was set in has helped massively. Set around 2008-2012 so a lot of Katy Perry, N-Dubz, Tinie Tempah the lot. The place has an abundance of locations, characters and images so I try and find the images or draw everything I refer to in the play. Seeing what I talk about no only helps the lines sink in deeper but connects me to the language more.
How do you usually physically and mentally prepare for a run?
Lots of sleep! No late night for me really. I’m not a big breakfast person but I try to eat 3 times a day and snack on bars to keep energy up. Me constantly working on scripts and scenes in my own time helps massively as well so I don’t get too complacent. Also helps with my need of always having something to do!
Lots of sleep! No late night for me really. I’m not a big breakfast person but I try to eat 3 times a day and snack on bars to keep energy up. Me constantly working on scripts and scenes in my own time helps massively as well so I don’t get too complacent. Also helps with my need of always having something to do!
What was the first piece of theatre/ live performance work that you remember seeing that had a big impact on you?
In most recent years it would to be The Effect at the National with Taylor Russel and Paapa Essiedu. Paapa is one of my favourite actors in every time I see him perform I’m in awe of his level of play and how risky he is as an actor- he constantly makes bold choices and always goes 100% which I try to emulate in the projects I’m in.
In most recent years it would to be The Effect at the National with Taylor Russel and Paapa Essiedu. Paapa is one of my favourite actors in every time I see him perform I’m in awe of his level of play and how risky he is as an actor- he constantly makes bold choices and always goes 100% which I try to emulate in the projects I’m in.
What gives you inspiration?
The older I get I realise the less I am inspired by the external. I keep doing this because I love it! I love stories that are similar to mine or entirely different. I strive to push myself and challenge my imagination to stretch beyond my limits with each project I work on.
The older I get I realise the less I am inspired by the external. I keep doing this because I love it! I love stories that are similar to mine or entirely different. I strive to push myself and challenge my imagination to stretch beyond my limits with each project I work on.
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| Photo by Harry Elletson. |
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Joy. I would like people to feel happier coming out than they did coming in. The show is a party that celebrates creativity, diversity and most importantly authenticity. We live in a time where people and less proud of where they’re from because the notion now gets weaponised. This play shows you can be proud of your heritage and culture without the need to put down others. There’s space for everyone!
Joy. I would like people to feel happier coming out than they did coming in. The show is a party that celebrates creativity, diversity and most importantly authenticity. We live in a time where people and less proud of where they’re from because the notion now gets weaponised. This play shows you can be proud of your heritage and culture without the need to put down others. There’s space for everyone!
Where can people see the show?
You can see the show from the 3rd-27th at Southwark Playhouse Borough!
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-chaos-that-has-been/
You can see the show from the 3rd-27th at Southwark Playhouse Borough!
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-chaos-that-has-been/
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