> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# REVIEW: Now Or Never – Barn Theatre
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/review-now-or-never-barn-theatre/
- Published: 2021-04-03T16:17:03.000Z
- Updated: 2021-04-03T07:57:15.000Z
- Description: Brian Butler gets satisfaction from a Domesday song cycle
- Author: Brian Butler
- Tags: Arts, Musical Theatre, Reviews, Janie Dee

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/the-cast-of-now-or-neve600.png)](https://www.gscene.com/arts/music/preview-brighton-festival-unveils-its-events/attachment/the-cast-of-now-or-neve600/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

You’d think that while we are still in lockdown that the least attractive performance would be a song cycle about the end of the world as we know it. But strangely **Matthew Harvey’s Now Or Never** is a wonderfully upbeat and life-affirming set of songs live-streamed in one take in the nooks and crannies of [Cirencester’s Barn Theatre.](https://barntheatre.org.uk/now-or-never?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

I shouldn’t have doubted for a second that it would be brilliant – this is the theatre that gave us a mesmerising modern take on Dorian Gray , and this 30-minute piece disappoints only in that it’s too short for my liking. Digital creation is by Ryan Carter and he makes magic out of this on the hoof film/theatre piece.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ex-spyhweaq-4k-600400.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/)

Framed at either end by an earnest newsreader played by Janie Dee, we’re told that an impending solar flare is hurtling Earth-wards and there’s 7 days left to live.

Given that premise, Harvey crafts interesting characters who each have a positive to-do list with a week to go.

Harvey himself is a motorbike fanatic who yearns for the open road – wherever it goes. Katie Shearman is delightfully gleeful at the prospect of finally getting a dog – well or maybe 12\. Her clear, bright voice sits easily on this comic song. Lucy St. Louis is a novelist with 10 books behind her, determined to finish this final one – “ give me the words to give you the end you deserve “, she sings to her manuscript or to her imagination: it’s not clear which.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ex9g49-xiaefjba600.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/)

Irvine Iqbal is a regretful older man who writes a good old-fashioned letter on paper to his past love, “ forgive an old fool”, he writes/sings : “ I should have taken your hand…in case there’s no next time, I need you to know.” It maybe pointless as a gesture but it’s a haunting love song.

There’s no weak number in this piece and the finale, with all 7 characters on the Barn stage telling us that whatever’s next “ today is for the taking. The silver in the clouds is hidden in the rainbow”.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ex-s-csxeaahqfd600.png)](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/home/)

I assume the Barn recorded this livestream and it really ought to have two futures – a recording made available for a wider audience, and a longer version. It’s a 5-star triumph that could go far.

Does the world actually end ?

Catch the show next time it’s available. Scene will let you know when it screens.

[**More info from the Barn’s website here:**](https://barntheatre.org.uk/now-or-never?ref=scenemag.co.uk)