The Fantastical Adventures of [Not] Being With You

Premiered at Blue Elephant Theatre as an In-House Production
(June 2012)

Summary

Leaping between moments in time, from train cars to undersea exploits to low-tech laser tag, two people pull each other along an impulsive journey through memory, adventure, and a relationship on tenterhooks. They bend narrative to their whim, battling with lists, reconciling with biscuits, and running from a reality they can't decide to embrace or defy.

There are moments in life that everything is either before or after; The Fantastical Adventures of [Not] Being With You is about those.



Background

When we remember our friendships and relationships, we don’t recall them by starting at the beginning and walking through a linear story. Instead, we recall moments, adventures, things they did that we hated, what we loved about them, what it felt like to be with them, and we leap from moment to moment in our memory. Writing The Fantastical Adventures of [Not] Being With You, I wanted to play with that idea. Whereas with my previous works, I tended to write linearly, this piece came in fragments and impulses that were later woven together with an eye to the oncoming end.



Productions

After a successful reading there in October 2011, The Fantastical Adventures of [Not] Being With You will have its world premiere production at Blue Elephant Theatre in London, UK, running June 19–July 7, 2012.

Please visit Blue Elephant Theatre’s webpage for The Fantastical Adventures of [Not] Being With You for further information on the show and how you can purchase tickets.

If you are interested in producing or learning more about the piece, feel free to contact me at justen@justenbennett.ca.



Reviews

“Well-timed, sharp, funny…an engaging and moving piece of theatre.”
Time Out - Full Text

“Beautifully written…touching and sad, yet still full of humour. It leaves a lump in the throat and a longing to go on that journey with someone by your side.”
What’s on Stage - Full Text

“Arch, refreshing…”
The Stage - Full Text

“Poetic and evocative…Bennett’s direction is masterful.”
Fringe Review - Full Text

“Romantic, witty, and irresistibly quirky…there is not one dull moment in this show.”
UK Theatre Network - Full Text

“Hilarious, heartbreaking…Bennett’s gift for playing with words created some of the funniest conversations and scenes I have heard and seen…the most beautiful piece of theatre I’ve seen all year.”
StageWon - Full Text

“Funny, energetic, playful, charming, exciting…a real adventure from start to finish and a powerful, emotional journey.”
What’s on the Fringe - Full Text

“Charming…riveting…”
Entertainment Focus - Full Text

“Original…beautifully romantic…”
One Stop Arts - Full Text

“Funny, emotional…directed with a deft hand.”
Spoonfed - Full Text




Preview



For more information on The Fantastical Adventures of [Not] Being With You, please contact me at justen@justenbennett.ca.