The End of the Line

Aug 6 2025 | By Julia Amour More

★★★★☆ Feelgood existentialism

Bedlam Theatre: Sun 3 Aug – Sun 10 Aug 2025
Review by Julia Amour

The End of the Line – a feelgood apocalypse comedy at the Edinburgh University Theatre Company’s Bedlam Theatre until 10 August – gives dynamic 1980s vibes, both in its power pop soundtrack and nuclear annihilation storyline.

Six people trapped in a London Underground carriage learn that they are totally cut off and a nuclear detonation is imminent. Over the next 60 minutes we see them banter, bicker and brave their way through their final hour, as everyday concerns mingle with existential dread.

A scene from The End of the Line. Pic: Andrew Perry.

Though the action takes place in the present day, Ava Tumblety and Em Leites-McPherson’s set channels a Britain stuck-in-the-past nicely. Here are a bespoke “vintage” public transport upholstery (featuring a stamp of the Bedlam itself) and wonky hand-drawn backcloth.

Alice Humphries’ sharp comic writing keeps the observational gags coming, covering everything from relationships to Coldplay (a specially favoured target) to student communists. As the play’s director too (along with Assistant Director Liv Davies), Humphries demonstrates a flair for bringing her lines to life in tightly choreographed ensemble scenes, with just an occasional over-reliance on fantastical sketch and revue tropes to keep the energy up.

It’s tempting to think that some of the actors may have been cast very much to type, so comfortably do they seem to inhabit their gallery of satirical stereotypes – though there is every chance their future work may prove that hunch wrong.

recognisable swagger

Myles (Reuben Stickland) has an instantly recognisable swagger as an over-confident public schoolboy type, convinced he is born to lead in a crisis.

Leo Odgers embodies the adorably awkward musician, Ben, with movements that radiate anxiety, while Amy (Raphaella Hawkins) delivers her lines with a speedy screwball comedy spin like a 21st century Katharine Hepburn.

A scene from The End of the Line. Pic: Andrew Perry.

Nina Birbeck – playing boho primary school teacher Clarissa – comes over as a natural raconteur with great storytelling presence, especially in a very funny sequence about losing a pupil on a school trip.

The moral heart of the piece lies with Darren, the driver. A salt-of-the-earth working man, no stereotypes are busted here in the writing. But Liam Howie plays a blinder, nudging him towards a three-dimensional character we are really rooting for, channelling his inner Elton John to triumphant effect as a final bucket-list wish.

Ava Godfrey has the toughest characterisation job in the least sympathetic member of the random band: Lynn, the MP for Chipping Barnet. Once she has settled into her clipped, stick-up-arse vocal style, she sustains a convincing uptightness – and then excels at letting her hair down just the tiniest bit in the musical number.

assured

Previously performed in November 2024 by Theatre Paradok as simply End of the Line (★★★☆☆ Light-hearted), the play has benefited from development time and extra budget, thanks to winning Bedlam Theatre Fringe funding for 2025.

The resulting production comes across as very assured. Credit for this should also go to the rest of the behind-the-scenes team including Producer Alba McGowan, Assistant Producer & Stage Manager James Harvey, Sophie Bendon as Tech Manager & Lighting Designer, and Rebecca Mahar as Intimacy Director.

This dark comedy with a light touch raises existential questions from the personal to the political, and, while doing so, succeeds in making the end of the line look like a legendary night out.

Running time: One hour (no interval).
Bedlam Theatre, 11b Bristo Place EH1 1EZ (Venue 49).
Sunday 3 – Sunday 10 August 2025.
Daily: 12.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.

Bedlam Fringe website: www.bedlamfringe.co.uk
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