The Deadline Project Review at the Dublin Fringe

The Deadline Project is a bold and imaginative new work that blends science fiction, live music, and raw emotion. With striking design and strong performances, it offers moments of real poignancy and atmosphere. Yet while the concept is compelling and the production has clear potential, the show struggles with pacing and risks losing momentum.

⭐⭐⭐

The premise of The Deadline Project is instantly intriguing and feels timely. As stated by the production, the end of the world looms, two grieving musicians record their music and answer psychological questions for an AI designed to preserve humanity. Along the way, they confront their grief, their relationships, their creativity, and their motivations. A soft sci-fi folk musical full of quiet apocalypses and loud emotions, it plays like Once meets Black Mirror, a show for anyone who feels like they’re already living at the edge of the world.

It’s an exciting concept, but the production struggles with pacing. At times the dialogue feels stagnant, and the momentum drags as we wait for the end of the world to arrive. The show has promise, but would benefit from a tighter structure and a sharper focus by writers Tishé Fatunbi and Joshua McNutt.

Visually, however, the production shines. Liam Schmidt’s lighting design beautifully captures the tone of the piece, shifting between interior and exterior scenes with ease. Isabel Hamilton’s set cleverly builds a sense of claustrophobia, reinforcing the characters’ confinement and heightening the play’s apocalyptic mood.

The cast bring warmth and skill to the material. Directors Praise Titus and Usher Titus create moments of rich world-building, while writer-actor Joshua McNutt and Siobhan Matshazi navigate the script with commitment. Matshazi, in particular, has an engaging stage presence, drawing the audience in with charm and ease.

The use of live music adds depth and texture, but some songs would land more powerfully in shorter versions. Likewise, the final scene feels unnecessary and could be cut to strengthen the overall impact.

ARÍNỌLÁTHEATRE Company’s The Deadline Project is brimming with potential. With a shorter runtime and a stronger sense of pace, this could become the powerful, resonant piece its premise promises. As it stands, it’s a thoughtful and ambitious work that leaves the audience hoping for more urgency in its storytelling.

Disclaimer: I was invited to review this show on the 20th of September. My review was not influenced by this invitation!