Fire Fire
16 September 2026
Arcola Theatre
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Fire Fire, currently running at the Arcola Theatre until 3rd October, is a passionate drama on the climate emergency and finding common ground.
Paige is an ardent protester just looking to use the facilities in the local park during a street blockade. Eddie is hosting a memorial for his brother at the park and refuses her entry, fuming that her protest delayed mourners arriving at the park. Sitting on opposing sides and harbouring resentments, the two continue to run into each other and try to find common ground amidst a world in turmoil.
The story develops slowly, focusing on interpersonal connection and building on common ground, competently outlining two fully formed characters with depth and strong personalities. Each scene constructed like a believable conversation between two people with passion and conviction. There’s a lot of nuance in the way these two communicate.
Gabrielle Brooks and Chris Simmons display stunning acting skills, with solid characterisations of their roles and expert pacing throughout. Emotional bursts are drawn up vividly while Paige and Eddie learn more about each other and find they have a common cause to fight for.
The plot is set in the near future in a world on the brink of devastation due to the continuing climate crisis, but also weaves in more spiritual concepts to create a deeply impacting performance that will stay with the audience for a long time.
Combining stories of belonging and identity with self-forged destiny and action in the face of overwhelming opposition, Fire Fire is beautifully poetic, a rousing speech on following ones calling and sacrificing everything for the right cause.
