Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is taking an original new musical to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and while its title might raise a few eyebrows, The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth has much more on its mind than conspiracy theories.
Written by Alex Moneypenny and Adam Tuffrey and directed by Karl Steele, the production follows Sharon Hargreaves, a woman struggling with grief who finds an unexpected sense of purpose after becoming involved with an online flat-earth community.
When a case of mistaken identity sees Sharon welcomed as a well-known flat-earth influencer at a convention in Las Vegas, she makes an impulsive decision not to correct the misunderstanding. What follows is an increasingly chaotic adventure involving aspiring content creators, unlikely friendships, crowdfunding campaigns and even a trip to Antarctica in search of the mythical ice wall.
While the premise is packed with comedy, the musical looks beyond the conspiracy itself to ask why communities like these can become so appealing. At its heart, the story is about loneliness, friendship and the need to feel understood, exploring how people can be drawn towards unexpected places when they’re searching for connection.
The relationship between Sharon and her best friend Debs forms the emotional core of the production, as both women navigate grief in very different ways while trying to hold onto the friendship they’ve built over the years.
With music, humour and plenty of larger-than-life moments, The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth balances its more serious themes with the warmth and energy of a musical comedy, creating a story that’s as much about rebuilding your life as it is about questioning the world around you.
The production also marks an important milestone for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre as it continues to expand its work as a producing theatre, developing original productions alongside the touring shows that regularly visit the venue.
Whether you arrive intrigued by the title or simply looking for something a little different at this year’s Fringe, The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth looks set to offer a thoughtful, funny and surprisingly heartfelt take on one of the internet’s most talked-about conspiracy theories.
PLEASANCE – Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome
14:05 (60 mins) | 5th – 30th August (not 18th)
Get tickets here!
About Author
