DELAY
A queer sci-fi heartbreaker | By Tim X Atack | Directed by Tanuja AmarasuriyaOne of the finest new plays to grace Bristol in years
Lin, an astronaut, speeds towards a distant planet. He’s on a pioneering mission to create a new home for humankind.
It’s a solo expedition. His only human contact is an exchange of voice messages with his lover, Silas, back on Earth.
But thanks to the laws of relativity, Silas is ageing so much faster than Lin. Days for the astronaut will be decades for the lover left behind.
Disasters befall the spacecraft; planet Earth falls apart; Silas and Lin’s love is tested to the limit.
A suspenseful, heart-wrenching yet hopeful drama about saying what you mean, and saying goodbye.
Jyuddah Jaymes (Choir Boy, Bristol Old Vic; The Boys In The Boat, MGM; Criminal, Netflix; and Hijack, Apple TV+) returns to Bristol Old Vic to play Lin. Alex Lawther (Hamlet, Robert Icke, The Armory New York; The End of the F***ing World, Channel 4/Netflix; and Star Wars: Andor, Disney+) is the Voice of Silas – the lover left behind. Vera Chok (2:22 A Ghost Story, UK Tour; Chimerica, Almeida; Hollyoaks, Channel 4; and Chewing Gum, E4) is the Voice of Auto – the ship’s onboard computer and Lin’s sole, on-board companion.
Timothy X Atack’s writing includes the multi-award-winning FOREST 404 for BBC Sounds, and HEARTWORM, winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting. DELAY is directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya (DARK LAND LIGHT HOUSE Bristol Old Vic, OUT OF SORTS Theatre 503) and produced by Amanda Fawcett in a co-production with Bristol Old Vic.
Supported by Arts Council England
Design by Malcolm Reid | Photography by Paul Blakemore
An interstellar story suspended between wit, tragedy and a subtly harrowing inevitability
Bristol 24/7
A subtly profound exploration into grief, hope and heartbreak
All That Dazzles
For a further understanding of the content in this show, take a look at our Content Guidance Document below (please note this document contains some spoilers). If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Box Office team.
Free Post-Show Talk
Following the performance on Wed 2 Jul, there will be a free, queer, salon-style post-show gathering facilitated by writer and academic Dr. Hassan Hussain. This informal event offers an opportunity to discuss DELAY, its themes, and your thoughts.
If booking for Wed 2 Jul, your ticket will include access to the post-show gathering.
On Stage
Inside rehearsals
Photos: Paul Blakemore
