In an age of iPhones, and iPads, we often listen to radio drama alone Split Second is all about the shared experience of radio in an ever-increasing insular and digital age.

As part of the Fringe Theatrefest (28 – 30 June & 1 July), award-winning Devon company, Documental Theatre are inviting a live audience to come together at The Southgate to catch each other’s reactions while listening to this audio drama about a couple’s very different reactions to the results of an antenatal test.

Inspired by lived experience, Split Second is a complex and intense look at the dynamics of a relationship that asks how well can you ever know anyone. Martin and Jude greet the news of their unplanned pregnancy with a mix of excitement, trepidation and social media sharing.

Fault lines in their relationship

When the twenty week scan shows up a possible anomaly, their world is turned upside down. Through the intimate routines they share in their bathroom, we discover how each of them feels about the decision they need to make, ultimately exposing the fault lines in their relationship.

Documental brings the opportunity of a shared listening experience in public spaces by enabling the audience to listen to Split Second on their mobile phones by downloading a free app. Suitable for iPhone & Android. Your own headphones are required. There will be a Q&A with writer Cally Hayes.

Split Second was produced with the support of Exeter City Council and recorded at the Sound Gallery in Exeter. Documental Theatre, which represented Devon in Nation’s Theatre Festival 2016, is blazing a trail with audio drama.

“Listening evenings”

They have organised other shared “listening evenings” in Exeter at the Bike Shed Theatre and Fore Street’s Glorious Arthouse Café.

“There is something so intimate about radio drama,” says Documental Theatre’s Cally Hayes.

“You create all the images in your head. And if the play is broadcast in a public space the audience can immerse themselves in the story and enjoy the reactions of other listeners.

Afterwards they can discuss the characters and this makes for a really absorbing experience that people haven’t made time for in decades.

Split Second is on at The Southgate, 70 Boutport Street, Barnstaple on: 28 & 29 June 7pm; 30 June 8pm & 1 July 2pm. Go and listen to a radio play in a way you’ve never done before.

Tickets available from Fringe TheatreFest

(from a press release)