End of the World FM
“Not even an apocalypse could stop a white man with a podcast!” quips Murphy in this absurdist dark comedy.
The world has ended, communications are down and the outside is inhospitable. Within this bleak landscape sits a bunker room that has been transformed into a makeshift radio booth where Kevin Martin Murphy plays a radio host broadcasting out into the static, using his newfound radio show as his tether to humanity while slowly succumbing to the isolation of his new existence.
Alone on stage and accompanied by an encroaching sense of dread Murphy is energetic, playful, and has an amazing sense of comedic timing as he navigates the nihilism that comes with existing in what’s left of the world, survivors guilt and a deep-rooted sense of self-loathing. “We ran and saved ourselves. That’s why we’re here aren’t we? And not with… the others.” Surviving in the moment of disaster comes to mean very little when there is nothing and no one left, but still the radio host continues to interview imaginary guests and try to keep himself sane over the 10 years he maintains his existence in a single room bunker.
An absurdist dark comedy and powerful one-man show with liberal use of gallows humour and an open ending (is it hopeful? Is it devastating? You decide!) End of the World FM is both hilarious and poignant. The show emphasises the importance of human connection, making the most of the time we have, and not letting fear hold us back in such a way that feels like essential viewing in a time with unprecedent numbers of people feeling isolated despite living in an age of hyper-connectivity.
Attended 12th August
Edinburgh FRINGE: Venue 53
Surgeon's Hall
"And I will be a benevolent and kind god to you all. For I need you. I need you my listeners."
Writer:
Kevin Martin Murphy
Director:
James Tudor Johns
Stage Manager:
Sofia Zaragoza
Performer:
Kevin Martin Murphy
Featuring:
Rachel Verhoef
Set:
Tom Brooks
Photos taken from End of the World FM's instagram page