Why are so many of us interested in conspiracy theories, or those enthusiasts (sometimes more accurately described as obsessives), dedicated to espousing different ways of looking at the world? There is a long list of events and scenarios that have attracted unconventional theories developed by individuals airing their own personal infatuation. Howsoever it is termed, compulsion. delusion or obsession, such belief systems are inherently fascinating, not merely because of the specifics of the preoccupation, but because of the complex nature of the passions which drive such beliefs.
Life in the 21st century, with the labyrinthine rabbit holes of “scientific research” or “evidential proof” afforded by social media, means that whatever one’s belief, (the covered up death of Paul McCartney, the continuing existence of Elvis Presley, the assassination of Juhn F Kennedy, the faked moon landings, extra terrestrials living amongst us), the “truth” can be found out there, conveniently malleable to suit one’s particular predilection.
Writer and director James Callàs Ball has chosen belief in Flat Earth theory for this exploration of the nature of belief, belonging and connection. The poster painstakingly attached by Greg to the wall of the local (gastro) pub in which the Brighton (but not Hove) Flat Earth group are meeting implores us to believe that we do not live on a spinning ball in space and urges everyone to “do your own research”.
There is excitement in the air tonight, for not only is there a forthcoming Channel 5 TV interview about their beliefs in the offing, but a potential new member is on his way, an arrival that will swell the ranks of the society from three to four. Heady stuff indeed.
The Brighton band of Flat Earthers are currently composed of three very different personalities, each with their own motives, passions and ideas.
Greg (Jamie Kenna) is the clearly acknowledged leader of the group, and is immediately encountered as the audience files into the theatre; already nursing a pint, he is all earnest, edgy intensity, exhibiting barely concealed excitement; his clock watching and the nervous jiggling of his leg betraying his emotional energy. For him, Flat Earth is everything, and, as we shall see, an important refuge from a difficult home life with a wife who clearly does not share his enthusiasms.
Kenna switches from esoteric grandiose obsessive certainty (convinced that The Atlantic Charter was only signed by all nations to prevent access to the ice wall boundaries of the flat Earth landscape), to a poignant recognition of domestic unhappiness, where he reveals that “Carol wants me to be the man she knew before my enlightenment”.
Kevin (John Black) is less convinced about the absolute truthfulness of the Flat Earth lore. He has an awkward, burning intensity which, as the evening progresses, sees his doubts solidify into a movement away from the purity of “proof” of the Flat Earth concept and a more prosaic interest in his future relationship with the third Flat Earther, Sophie. He is less than enthusiastically engaged with Greg’s latest YouTube research. One cannot escape the feeling that, for Kevin, the Flat Earth movement is more a means to an end, with Sophie clearly in his sights. Greg’s disgust at Kevin’s casual mention of flying “round” the world emphasises the different levels of absolutist fervour and adherence each has to the Flat Earth concept.
Sophie herself (Valerie Antwi) is perhaps the more nuanced and complex character. Sophie is clearly highly intelligent, whose belief in the Flat Earth hypothesis is deep-rooted, but is also clear-eyed, making a distinct difference between the Flat Earth idea and other conspiracy theories. As she powerfully asserts, “We are Flat Earthers. Not ‘Elvis isn’t dead’ ers…” Antwi exudes a bright sincerity and courageous resolve to assert her own identity and shape her future destiny.
Whilst her intelligence may be misplaced, the breadth of her ambition is not. Sophie has a deep desire to explore the world (flat or otherwise), beyond the confines of Brighton. She arrives at the meeting with a packed suitcase and a series of clues that suggest her future lies away from the South Coast. New mental and physical horizons stretch out for Sophie, and, whilst there is a residual affection for both Greg and Kevin, she has outgrown them and needs to move on.
All three actors portray their characters with plausible and convincing authenticity, never falling into caricature or parody. All are flawed human beings, shaped by their differing beliefs, passions and ambitions, and it is how they react with, and grow to understand, each other that forms the basis of this thoughtful play.
The Flat Earthers is perhaps best described as an exploration of the varying intensity of belief, of the consequences of choosing to be outliers, often misunderstood or ridiculed by family, friends and work colleagues. It is also an examination of how such choices affect their relationships not only with their fellow believers but also with those who remain outside their world.
It would be easy for the writing, direction and performance to mock, and find cheap laughs in the depiction of nonsensical outlandish theories. This temptation is avoided. We are encouraged to understand, even empathise with, the very different individuals who make up this particular Flat Earth Group. Whilst there are funny lines, they are not cruel jibes. There is also pathos, especially as Greg sees the disintegration of the group reflecting that of his own, moribund domestic life.
Yet for all of the thoughtful insights into the nature of belief and the pitfalls of obsession, there is a sense that the narrative is not progressing clearly to a satisfactory denouement. The humour inherent in the notion of conspiracy theories and their believers’ search for proof that they are the only ones who truly know the truth is clearly adumbrated. However, once established, the characters remain bland and anodyne, keeping to their predestined futures, and, as a result, interest in them ceases as the curtain falls. We know what happens to Kevin, Sophie and, especially. Greg, (who, as the curtain falls, is already starting to build a new group to replace the one he is losing). It is all rather obvious in the end.
That having been said, this play shines a sympathetic light upon the intriguing world of conspiracy theorists, their overwhelming human need to belong and how, ultimately, even the most committed obsessives are just like everyone else, searching for some meaning, some clarity, some connection in a world which often defies our attempts to understand it.
Review by Johnny Oxford
Greg, Sophie and Kevin are united by their belief that the world is flat. The trio meet in a local pub to share their latest Flat Earth research. As the self-designated leader, Greg has big ideas to boost their popularity and get their message out to the masses. However, before telling the world about their beliefs, they must first understand each other. But when you don’t see the world like everyone else, how do you know anything is what it seems?
Cast: Jamie McKenna, Valerie Antwi, John Black
Written and directed by James Callàs Ball
THE FKLAT EARTHERS
Lion & Unicorn Theatre
16 to 20 December 2025
