Box office: 020 7978 7040

LAMDA and Theatre503 present...

LAMDA Directors’ Showcase: Back to Act One

14 - 17 August 2026
Written by Stefani Angelova
Directed by Stefani Angelova
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“You see everything else but your part in this: okay, we are characters in a play, why do you think you can outsmart your writing?”

You’re trapped in a play and are the only one that knows it – do you stay to see the ending or fight to write your own?

Doug is convinced that he and his best friend are characters in a play, but each time he gets a step closer to escaping the play jumps back to the beginning of the scene, resetting any progress and trapping him in a loop of meaningless conversations and desperate choices. Staying sane gets harder as the same song keeps playing on repeat and the damn coat hanger won’t stay in place. It’s a little sad, mostly funny. Then sad again. Also, his best friend Nicky is a woman. I mean, he’s played by a woman. Never mind.

Back to Act One is a new absurdist play exploring the futile yet human quest for meaning: chasing the illusion one is in control of their own life. The tragedy of existentialism served with physical comedy and a pinch of clown.

Running time: 70 mins (no interval)

Age guidance: 13+

Content Information: This show includes strobe lighting. This show contains themes that you may find distressing. You can find the content information for Back to Act One here. If you have any questions please email boxoffice@theatre503.com.

Pre-Theatre Dining: Audience members can get a 33% discount on food bought at The Latchmere pub between 6pm – 7pm, Monday – Friday! Just show a staff member your ticket confirmation email or e-ticket. Book in advance to avoid disappointment and we hope to see you soon!

Stefani Angelova

Stefani Angelova is a Bulgarian writer and theatre director whose work explores the ways comedy is rooted in everyday life, our human quest for purpose and connection. She is a playful creator excited about using clowning, movement and improvisation to blend the classical with the absurd and tell stories which invoke shared vulnerability and catharsis through laughter. In her work she strives for a sense of synergy between actors and audience, creating a safe space to question and not know the answers.

Dates

Artistic Team
Writer
Stefani Angelova
Director
Stefani Angelova
Set and Costume Designer
Zach Moore
Technical Stage Manager
Erin Mitchell
Lighting Designer
GM
Sound Designer
Velia de Nicola
Movement Director
Claire Parry
Cast
Doug
Jackson Bernreuter
Nicky
Chelsea Jean-Michel
Doug?
Liam Fitch

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