What If?

Two performances on one day – how will each end? (click - See All Dates - for 2 performance times on 18 October)

England, 1914. Young bookseller Max and his best friend Sam have both fallen for Lily, a suffragette. As World War I unfolds, will Max follow patriotic Sam and enlist, or stay and campaign for social reform with Lily? Be it in cruel trenches or impoverished streets, turmoil is inevitable. Navigating war, politics, love, and brotherhood, Max must choose between desire and loyalty, between his duty and principles. What will he do? What path will his river take to the sea? That’s where you come in…

Written and performed by baritone Kieran Rayner (playing multiple characters) with the wonderful Gamal Khamis at the piano, this moving and entertaining story combines live classical music with a branching narrative where the audience votes on what happens, shaping the plot and musical programme. Featuring songs by Finzi, Butterworth, Schubert, Robert & Clara Schumann, Ethel Smyth and more, What If? is an unforgettable evening of choose-your-own-adventure with song at its soul – whichever of the eight possible endings you see!

“A story told well with fun characterisation and lots of genuine humour… genuinely affecting … a feast of joys” – Everything Theatre

Every time What If? is performed, it is significantly different, due to each audience choosing a different branch of the narrative. Even we, the performers, don't know what will happen until we get there! Want to see the full impact of your choices as an audience? What if... you'd chosen differently? Come to both showings for just £20, and see two of the eight possible versions of this story!

Refreshments will be offered between performances.