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.
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
Special Thanks to Rakie Ayola, Tane Siah, Dante Chilon and Chavez Idjerhe, without whom this project would not have been possible.
This production was presented as part of the VIEW Festival 2026.
Gallery
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |