All That Fall

Beckett's simmering, traumatic play comes out of the dark

This new revival of Samuel Beckett's little-known play transfers to the Arts Theatre from Bristol Arts Theatre this spring, directed in an innovative dark setting by the acclaimed Max Stafford-Clark. Originally a radio play, this new stage production transforms the audience viewing into a blindfolded aural experience, creating a haunting and immersive journey.

What is it about?

Set in rural Ireland, the story centres around a 70-year old woman who is determined to meet her husband off his train from work. The journey is fraught with complications, as she is elderly and blind, but she comes across various characters along her way. Each time she stops, time flies, and she experiences mini adventures; from running over a chicken in the road, to listening to chamber music, or meeting old flames.

However, when she finally reaches the station, the train is delayed, much to her dismay. Things take a darker turn when the train arrives and she is reunited with her husband - also blind. Refusing to tell her why the train was delayed, the walk back is fraught with bad weather and tension. As more people encounter them along the way, we get snippets of news; there was a horrific accident involving the train. And her husband is getting more and more agitated when she asks him. What happened on that train? And did her husband have anything to do with it?