Review: Down to Chance, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025
- Lisa in the theatre
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
The untold story of a radio reporter caught up in the very real 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake 'Down to Chance' plays at the Pleasance Courtyard at Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 25th August 2025.
Down to Chance - the Genie Chance story ★★★★★
review: 11 August 2025 | Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Festival Fringe
In 1964, the 2nd most powerful earthquake ever recorded anywhere in the world hit south-central Alaska. Known as The Great Alaska Earthquake, it measured 9.2 on the Richter scale, destroyed buildings, triggered tsunamis and claimed 139 lives. Caught up in it all, young mum and part-time radio reporter Genie Chance.
Genie became the source of information and advice, the voice on the radio, the lifeline to people all over Alaska and the world. Genie broadcast for 24 hours continuously in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, sharing missing person messages and coordinating the rescue efforts. She won numerous journalism awards for her heroic actions and yet she is largely unknown. Down to Chance is the story of the natural disaster that struck Alaska on Good Friday, 1964, told through Genie's eyes.
Cornwall-based theatre company Maybe You Like It have teamed up with the Theatre Royal Plymouth and Pleasance to bring this incredible piece of bold new writing to the stage. Performed by just two actors - Ellie Jay Cooper as Genie Chance and Robert Merriam as, what feels like, almost everyone else in Anchorage at the time - Down to Chance explores Genie's bravery, her tenacity and sacrifice.
It's a surprisingly funny, frenetic two-hander that sees both actors switch between roles at lightning speed. Robert Merriam must've played 10 different characters in the first five minutes. With just the quick swish of a coat, a hat or a scarf, the actors transform into the key figures that Genie encounters as she navigates the crisis. Both Cooper and Merriam are extraordinary - their portrayal of these real people caught up in a disaster is authentic and poignant. I often say I don't know how actors remember their lines, but these two are something else! It's a stunning display of complex choreography and talent all deftly directed by Caleb Barron.
At times the sensory onslaught is overwhelming, with noise coming from radios, various characters clambering for power and the hubbub from the streets of Anchorage all competing for attention. But it does accurately reflect the alarm and chaos of the time. The scenes of the actual earthquake and its aftermath are terrifying. Lights flicker, a rumbling grows to ear-splitting volumes and the stage and audience are plunged into darkness. It's almost immersive theatre and so well done - particularly considering the limitations of a small, temporary performing space at the fringe.
Down to Chance is the dramatic and sometimes sombre story of a very real natural disaster but it celebrates one of those good people we are told to look out for in hard times. Genie Chance had to juggle her own family commitments with saving her community. She had some awful decisions to make and some domineering figures to battle against. I can only imagine that many more people would've died had it not been for her efforts. I'll be forever thankful to 'Maybe You Like It' for introducing me to her remarkable story. Down to Chance is a beautifully written true story, and fringe theatre at its very best. I don't know what more could be expected for £15 a ticket. Go see it and meet Genie for yourself! ★★★★★
Down to Chance plays at the Pleasance Courtyard until Monday 25th August 2025. Find more info below.
Down to Chance cast and creatives
Performed by: Ellie Jay Cooper and Robert Merriam
Directed by: Caleb Barron
Produced by: Jamie Simpson
Down to Chance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025
Down to Chance
In Partnership with: Maybe You Like It, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Pleasance
Venue: Beside, Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: 30th July – 25th August (not 12th August) @14:10
Tickets From: £10 Previews; £13 Mon-Thurs; £15 Fri-Sun
Content Warnings: Potentially distressing or triggering themes - based on and set during a real-life earthquake. Though there are no scenes that are dealing directly with injury or death, and it handles those issues with a light touch, it is of course part of the narrative. We also show some images of the destruction caused - this is purely structural and features no people.
Age Guidance: 12+
Running Time: 60 minutes
Captioned Performance: 15th August
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