Stan’s Cafe presents Time Critical, a compelling and inventive performance that explores the intersection of personal and global history. Two performers face each other across a table, a chess clock between them. One charts the world’s events over the past 34 years; the other traces the journey of Stan’s Cafe. Each has 34 minutes.
The result is a fast-paced, tightly structured piece that moves between humour and reflection. Scenes shift rapidly, drawing on fragments from nine previous Stan’s Cafe productions, each placed in its historical context. The show invites audiences to consider how their own experiences align with wider world events, and how much has changed—or remained the same.
Performers Kianyah Caesar-Downer and Craig Stephen deliver engaging, well-paced performances, switching tone and tempo with precision. Their energy and timing keep the audience focused as the clocks tick down. The structure builds to a clear and satisfying finale, with the countdown always visible.
Audience members respond to the show’s clarity, its clever use of time, and its ability to prompt reflection. It’s described as playful, thoughtful, and rich in material. The updated version includes events from 2017 to 2025, adding fresh relevance.
Time Critical offers a thought-provoking evening of theatre, combining personal insight with historical perspective. It’s a well-crafted production that balances pace, content, and performance with care.
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