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The Chat

Backstage Theatre, 2026

Based on a collection of real news stories, The Chat follows Jay, a young teenage boy from London, who is struggling to navigate the anxieties of puberty, girls, exams, and the possibility of Arsenal losing the league.

 

As he comes to rely more and more heavily on Chat, a generative AI chat-bot who knows just what to say to alleviate those pressures, things take a dark and disturbing turn.

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Creative Team

​Director: James Dodd

Writer: Eddie Oliver

Producer: Simon Dollinger

Set and Costume Designer: Olivia Gough

Lighting Designer: Kayla Warham

Production Manager: Connie Yip

Technical Stage Manager: Paul Thomas

SM On Book: Rue Orrin

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Special Thanks to Rakie Ayola, Tane Siah, Dante Chilon and Chavez Idjerhe, without whom this project would not have been possible.

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This production was presented as part of the VIEW Festival 2026.

Gallery

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