In a small Midwest American town there is a strange phenomenon happening. Researchers have arrived to observe a group of people transfixed on a prophecy “that the world is ending and that they alone know the truth” on how to save humanity. This story is based on a 1956 book by social psychologists Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken and Stanley Schachter.
In ‘their’ world of UFO’s sightings and religious belief systems their leader Marian convinces the group that the world would be destroyed by a catastrophic flood in December. When this prediction did not happen instead of believing the failure the opposing view grew into a committed sense of greater belief. A true concept of cognitive dissonance when a group of people’s beliefs conflict with reality.
You would not be wrong in thinking this story is psychologically deep even disturbing. But don’t be fooled. Fin and Lewis den Hertog and Vicki Manderson have crafted a compelling masterpiece of mesmerising visual performance supported by voice over narratives. The cast of five are extraordinary in their movement as they wind and curl in parallelism and style creating cohesion and reciprocity mirroring a ‘cult’ group in action.
It flowed well and certainly captured the audience imagination. The ability to find language in slow movement and facial expression is quite simply unique. The lighting elevated the sinister elements whilst capturing the beauty of contemporary dance.
The staging was generous and allowed for the sequences of movement. The props used created lots of ‘traffic’ by the cast as the chairs, lamps and tables were positioned across the stage. Quickly at times causing some distraction and occasionally obscuring the illuminated screen making it difficult to see the visuals. This can be easily rectified.
There is a convincing depth of characterisation by all the cast as each member acted out their role. There is a content warning of haze and flashing lights.
When Prophecy Fails is a spellbinding symphony of language in motion, piercing even the deepest-held beliefs with its abstract brilliance.
Fin den Hertog Director & Co Writer
Lewis den Hertog Co writer, Composer, Video & Sound Designer
Vicki Manderson Choreographer & Director
Benny Goodman Lighting Designer
This play commences at 19.30pm duration 1hour 10 minutes no Interval
Runs Thursday 27th – 30th August 2026 Studio Theatre 22 Potterrow
Booking Link: https://www.eif.co.uk/events/when-prophecy-fails
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 27th August 2026
North West End UK Rating: