Alleluya Bar & Cafe is an alternative space for performance, the backdrop is ceiling to floor windows, the audience are seated on an eclectic array of chairs. The set for Darling, Today We’re Going To Die is simple, depicting a typical student flat: rundown lounge to the left, dining room in the centre and kitchen to the right.

I note the play’s characters are Tiffany, George, Cameron, Anthony (not Samir per Auckland Fringe Programme) and Margo.

Anthony (Toby Goode) walks into the kitchen, commanding a British accent with a warm and comical disposition. He talks about his job, cooking for the flat, Wednesday being is a notable day for flat meetings and collaborative dinners, all five flat mates must attend.

George (Tom Crosson) is fashionable and lives off his trust fund. His girlfriend, Tiff keeps him in line. He doesn’t care much for flat dinners or meetings. He is confrontational, apparently; thinks Anthony and Margo are worriers. They need to lighten up and have some fun, both are so serious.

Margo (Lana Mackintosh) is dressed in a patterned skirt to her ankles, black top and aubergine-coloured long cardigan, old before her years. Confirmed nerd, she is conservative, full of facts, analytical and interested in the cosmos. She has known George since she was five,and  thinks he is unpredictable and carefree. She is told that she is shy and awkward, does not speak her mind.

Tiff (Lucia Farren Diamantis) is brassy and confident. Her boyfriend, George, pays her share of the rent. She’s loved makeup ever since she was thirteen, and it only takes her an hour to get ready, not two. Tiff is sexually adventurous, sleeping with whoever takes her fancy, which is normal in her self indulgent world. She wears a blue-and-white stripy dress, white shoes and an elephant necklace. The ensemble is kitsch, much like her. 

Lastly, Cameron (Lewis Gregory) is a drug dealer. He operates his own business from the flat, unaware if the other flat mates know. He is a sedate character: probably too much weed. He carries his bong around with him. He tells us that boys don’t cry, a few times; guys internalise. His father was important to him, so was soccer. Unfortunately emotion was frowned upon in his household. Maybe that is why drugs are his best friend now?

Finally, there is some interaction, some dialogue between friends. George and Tiff sit and talk about moving out, maybe to Kingsland? Her mother calls, then disconnects, and this is the start of the end. George tells Anthony he is too controlling and confronts him on hating Tiff, and wants to leave. Anthony just wants to cook: what else is there to do, at this difficult time?

Now in the audience, there is a distraction: two dancers dressed in orange cloth, waving it around in an abstract way. I’m assuming that this is ‘death’.

Tiff wants her tarot done, by Margo. She takes Margo’s glasses off, telling her to wear mascara and to become more feminine. Tiff loves to Instagram everything. Then there is an announcement (on the radio) about people disappearing, hundreds of cars stationary and no signs of life. People are dropping like flies, literally. Buzzy lights in the sky. Meteor showers?

They decide to play a game of ‘I Have Never’ to pass the time and remain calm, which they all do, except Margo. She becomes emotional and anxious, that the world maybe ending. Margo is scared of the dark. They all sing the theme tune from Shortland Street. There is a slow-motion fight between the males that brings them back together, eating pasta and discussing funny moments.

The music then starts to intensify, bringing everything to a close.

Darling, Today We’re Going To Die reminds me of an Australian film called Tomorrow When The War Began. This play is a light-heartened, with elements of a poignant performance from Cameron (Lewis Gregory), who connects emotionally about the relationship with his father.

The content of this play is more, a ‘slice of life’, and with some more direction and depth, the work could be profound.

I particularly like the quotes about dying in their programme, that romanticise about death and the apocalypse.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean  

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