The Intrusion, a collaboration between Bric à Brac Theatre and Told by an Idiot, reimagines the world post-humanity, with cockroach characters scuttling around in the aftermath of civilization’s collapse.
The play takes inspiration from Kafka’s absurdism, blending reality and fantasy to explore extinction and survival through humour. The performance turns the climate crisis into something that the audience can laugh at, whilst also considering just how serious the message behind it really is.
The cast, comprising Bric à Brac Theatre’s founding members Kitty Devlin and Alex Hinson, joined by Siobhan Cha Cha (above and main image) brought energy to the stage. Their performances were bold, expressive and brilliantly over the top, drawing the audience into this strange world where cockroaches navigate the wreckage of human failure. The production also featured original music and captioning, adding to its immersive storytelling style.
Bric à Brac Theatre is a Lecoq trained company known for their fearless approach to storytelling. They focus on feminist theatre and taboo subjects, using comedy to engage audiences in meaningful discussions. Their productions encourage audiences to ask questions and reflect on important social issues, all while being thoroughly entertained. In The Intrusion, they continue this tradition, addressing the climate crisis in a way that feels fresh, engaging and relevant.
This production is a collaboration with Told by an Idiot, a company renowned for its inventive approach to theatre. With a reputation for blending the real and the surreal, Told by an Idiot brings a unique perspective to The Intrusion, pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Artistic Director Paul Hunter describes the show as a “highly theatrical fable” that fuses realism with absurdity, a perfect fit for a story about survival in a world that has lost its way.
Beyond the performance itself, the partnership between Bric à Brac and Told by an Idiot extends to community engagement. Through an outreach workshop programme, they have worked with local communities to explore attitudes towards climate change, ensuring that the production is not just a performance but also a catalyst for discussion and action.
One of the best things about The Intrusion is that it appeals to a wide audience. While it has a serious message at its core, it never felt too preachy. Instead, it uses humour to make the conversation around climate change engaging. Children will love the playful and comic style performances, whilst adults will appreciate the deeper themes woven throughout.
The Intrusion is insightful yet chaotic and unexpectedly moving. This cleverly crafted performance turned the end of the world into something surprisingly funny, whilst still pushing an important message.
Photography by Ant Robling.
