Down to Chance at Pleasance Theatre, London Review
Written by Emily Kennedy-Neal for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
This show contains flashing lights, loud noises, extended periods of darkness, haze and descriptions of natural disasters.
Maybe You Like It Productions have enjoyed huge success in their time as a company, most recently sell out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. They’ve now been named Associate Artists at The Pleasance in London for 2025- 27, where their work is being staged for the next two weeks.
Down to Chance tells the true story of Genie Chance, a journalist and radio broadcaster, as she navigates the aftermath of the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964. For the city of Anchorage and the wider Alaskan community, Genie acted as a calm and reassuring presence, keeping listeners informed and sharing messages from family members searching for loved ones. By all accounts, she was a largely forgotten hero of the time.
Two performers, Ellie Jay Cooper (also the writer) and Robert Merriam, play all the roles in the production, including Genie, her husband and son, a General and a local woman called Mrs. Ambrose, to name but a few. Both performers switch seamlessly from character to character, using props and basic costume pieces to aid them. The production is an emotional rollercoaster, full of impactful, touching moments as well as humour. Although it portrays such a catastrophic event, it doesn’t feel constantly bleak or sombre. Ellie Jay Cooper has not only proven herself a highly skilled performer but also an accomplished writer.
Sound and lighting design is used extremely well. Lights flicker on and off and the audience is plunged into complete darkness on occasion. Sound effects signifying the earthquake are powerful and onstage microphones (reflective of the period) give the whole production a more authentic feel.
Genie Chane went above and beyond to help and reassure her community amid chaos. Down to Chance introduces us to her and highlights an arguably lesser-known natural disaster with sensitivity, drama, and humour. Outstanding work.
Down to Chance plays at Pleasance Theatre London until 09 May 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
