Playing as part of the lively Brighton Fringe, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, KRC Productions’ End Game is an incredibly honest and gripping show that gets under the skin of the many demanding roles we juggle. It’s a beautifully raw exploration of what it means to be a woman — a mum, a girlfriend, a daughter and much more — while an eccentric cabaret performer named Joanie arrives in the afterlife for her soul review. Did she truly grasp life’s lessons, or did she simply get sidetracked? We find out, and it all revolves around another woman: Eva. But who on earth is Eva?
Brighton-based award-winning performer and writer Katie Reddin-Clancy brilliantly pulls you into Joanie’s world, making you feel as though you’re alongside her on her afterlife journey. She expertly guides you through her feelings and perceptions, drawing you into her story. The stage at Ironworks Studios is just the right size, creating a cosy, intimate vibe that makes you feel as though she’s telling you a secret directly. This ‘secret’ isn’t just one thing; it’s a mix of different characters, each offering fresh insights into how to balance reality with imagination in our own lives, while Joanie tries to understand her soul’s purpose.
A real highlight of the show is the actress’s beautiful voice, which acts as a powerful way to transform our pain into something creative. This demonstrates how ‘End Game’ transforms uncomfortable feelings and profound questions into something meaningful and artistic.
What really hits home is how honest and authentic the show is. It tackles the awkward bits and daily struggles head-on in such a direct way that you can’t help but feel it’s about you. The actress’s clever virtuous storytelling makes it feel like she’s talking about your own life and juggling act, while also making you think about life’s bigger picture.
‘End Game’ offers a spontaneous, lively and genuinely enjoyable way to understand the complexities of social conditioning. It brilliantly illustrates how expectations can make us feel uncomfortable and rob us of the tools we need to get on with life. It’s a powerful and relatable show that stays with you long after it’s finished, prompting you to reflect on your own ‘Earth School’ experiences.
Afterwards, be sure to pick up a beautiful calendar to take home as a souvenir – it’s a great way to support this powerful performance.
Don’t miss your last chance to see End Game on May 31 at 2 pm at Ironworks Studios. It’s an entertaining and vital show that truly speaks to what it’s like to live now and addresses the timeless question: what’s it all for?
Address: Ironworks Studios (Studio C), 30 Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD
Timings: 10th May @ 2PM | 17th May @ 2PM | 18th May @ 1PM | 31st May @ 2PM
Website: Brighton Fringe | Tickets
