SCENES FROM THE
CLIMATE ERA
The shocks are just the opening act.
And then we're really in the climate era.
A play by David Finnigan
Featuring the voice of Sir Stephen Fry
About the play
Welcome to the climate era.
Fast paced and funny, unsettling and challenging, Scenes from the Climate Era is a darkly human response to the climate crisis, told through a kaleidoscope of short scenes and contrasting characters. By weaving together moments of hope and humour, uncertainty and grief, the play resists simple narratives or solutions. Instead, it asks how to live with a crisis that is simultaneously omnipresent and somehow so easy to ignore.
Join us for a journey around the world and back again through the past, present, and future of the climate crisis: both as we know it and as we will.
It’s the biggest story of our lives, and it’s already happening.
- –References to death and/or dying
- –Discussions of pregnancy
- –Flashing images
- –Swearing
Narration
I have a deep love for this planet - and I fear for it ... I have godchildren and nephews and nieces, and I worry about the world they are going to inherit.
Sir Stephen Fry in The Telegraph
Sir Stephen Fry is an actor, writer, and broadcaster known for work across stage, television, and film, including long-running public-facing work in education and culture.
Alongside his artistic career, he has used his platform to speak openly about the climate crisis1,2,3. Now, the national treasure lends his voice to Scenes from the Climate Era through recorded excerpts.
Previous productions
Scenes from the Climate Era is a story told all around the world. Since its Australian premiere in 2023, it has travelled to the Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore, and London. Each production has been unique as it adapts to the new context in collaboration with local artists and communities.
In Cambridge, student writers have adapted the script and contributed new scenes to bring the story home.
Praise for previous productions of Scenes from the Climate Era:
The world’s biggest story, told in 50 plays over 80 minutes.
The Guardian
Refreshingly unsentimental ... sweeping in scale ... emotionally intimate ... compelling.
The Stage
Kaleidoscopic, funny, informative and positively therapeutic.
Everything Theatre
Moving, funny, and searingly important, this is pared down drama at its best.
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Get involved
We’ve already built an awesome team for all the main roles – but if think you’d fit in, feel free to get in touch via [email protected]!
Technical Director
Oversee the technical implementation of the show.
- –Commitment: parts of rehearsal & production period (Easter holidays/beginning of May)
- –Previous experience preferred but not essential
Deadline: Midnight Sunday 12 April
Roles filled!Sound Designer
Join an awesome team to round off the technical vision of the show.
- –Commitment: varies by role (e.g. GET IN 10 May through performances 12–16 May)
Deadline: Midnight Sunday 12 April
Roles filled!Writer Team
Adapt scenes and write new material to bring the show home to Cambridge.
- –Adapt existing scenes for student theatre; write new scenes
- –Commitment: flexible; see production pack and get in touch for script preview
- –Email [email protected] for questions or to see more of the script
Deadline: Midnight Sunday 12 April
Roles filled!Actors
Perform across fifty-plus scenes in a fast-paced ensemble.
- –Ensemble cast with rapid role changes
- –Commitment: rehearsals starting end of March, performances 12–16 May
- –No prior audition experience required
18-20 MARCH
Roles filled!
The Production Team
The creative and production team behind Scenes from the Climate Era.
Ed Campbell
he/him
Director
ADC veteran of countless productions and roles, Ed is delivering the creative direction for Scenes from the Climate Era.
Katarina Kuo
she/her
Assistant Director
Bringing the Aussie to an Australian play, Kat’s first saw Scenes from the Climate Era in its original Sydney production.
Archie Giblin
he/him
Assistant Director
Combining directing and writing expertise with a close consideration of climate change.
Eva Ilieva
she/her
Producer
Fresh of the roaring success of Into the Woods, Eva is right back at it, helping to bring Scenes to life.
Orlando Timmerman
he/him
Producer
Having fallen in love with the play during its London run, Orlando can't wait to see it again!
The Cast
The Writers
In addition to help from Assistant Director Katarina Kuo and cast members Akshit Ahuja and Leni Klöcker, our expert writers and script editors are:
Enya Crowley
they/she
Kaya Yapp
she/they
Wilf Offord
they/them
Hannah Leung
she/her
Jen Shaftoe
she/her
Stay in the loop
Sign up for occasional updates about the production — casting calls, show dates, and behind-the-scenes news. We won’t spam you.
We will only use your email address to contact you about this production and related opportunities. Your details will not be shared with third parties, and you can request removal at any time by emailing [email protected].
Supported by
The company is grateful to the following organisations for their support:
Cambridge University ADC Theatre
Cambridge Zero Postgraduate Academy
Cambridge Zero
Cambridge University ADC
Do you represent an organisation that would like to support us, or know someone who does? Get in touch via [email protected]