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When the worlds of science-fiction and science-fact collide… extraordinary things can happen.
Dave is the great-great grandson of H.G. Wells, author of the 1895 novella The Time Machine, a book that foretold (with suspicious accuracy) the future of the human species. What if the ideas in that book weren't entirely fiction? Right now, Dave and his friends Amy and Michael must set out on a journey through time… the journey of a lifetime!
The Time Machine: A Comedy is (very loosely) adapted from H.G. Wells by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, whose previous adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles was a hit in the West End and subsequently for numerous companies worldwide. It was first produced in 2023 on a tour of the UK, before a run at Park Theatre, London, produced by Original Theatre and directed by Orla O'Loughlin.
Fast-paced and wise-cracking, this riotous retelling zips from the nineteenth century to the end of the world, and (with any luck) back again. It will suit any theatre company looking for a time-bending adaptation of a well-loved story – and a surefire audience-pleaser.
“Cleverly makes us think about our lives and how we fit into our communities.”—Guardian
“A magical stage adaptation… offers surprises while being truthful to the narrative.”—York Press
“Beautifully conceived... rises to this challenge of translating such an uplifting and moving story to the stage with just four actors... an exceptional piece of theatre.”—West End Best Friend
“Has a delightfully atmospheric economy... Nelson's text hits the right beats... Capra's message about valuing what we have shines through in this festively enjoyable production.”—The Stage
“Fans of this story will not be disappointed... the perfect show to see with your family over the festive period.”—Theatre and Tonic
Steven Canny is a writer, director, and producer for BBC Radio, and has worked as an Associate Director and Dramaturg for Complicite. His plays include adaptations (with John Nicholson) of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles (Peepolykus, 2007) and H. G. Wells's The Time Machine (Original Theatre, 2023).
John Nicholson is a writer, director, and performer. He is Co-Artistic Director of Peepolykus, with whom he has toured throughout the UK and worldwide since 1995. As a writer, his work includes: King Arthur (Le Navet Bete, 2024); The Time Machine, co-written with Steven Canny (Original Theatre, 2023); Treasure Island (Le Navet Bete, 2019); Dracula: The Bloody Truth (Le Navet Bete, 2017); The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary, co-written with Javier Marzan for Peepolykus (Liverpool Everyman, 2016); and The Hound of the Baskervilles, co-written with Steven Canny for Peepolykus (West Yorkshire Playhouse, 2007). He has also written extensively for BBC Radio, including Richard’s Rampage, and the four-part series Trespasser’s Guide to the Classics (2015).