When You Die – Anthony Burgess Foundation

When You Die pitches itself as a Gothic horror comedy exploring the afterlife through the lens of undead housemates—but despite a promising concept, the show is let down by sluggish pacing, underwhelming humour, and several frustrating production choices.

Finn, Yuri, Devon, and Boby are sharing a flat in death, trying to get along in the afterlife when their already turbulent dynamic is disturbed by the arrival of a mysterious briefcase. With the help of the cryptic Lazlo, they must uncover who—or what—is behind the growing sense of threat. It’s a quirky setup with potential, and the cast give it their all, but the execution falls flat.

The first half drags considerably. There’s far too much time spent establishing the characters’ personalities and routines, with little dramatic tension to hold interest. Dialogue loops in circles, and the plot barely moves until the briefcase finally appears. By then, too much goodwill has been lost, and even when the mystery kicks in, the stakes never feel especially high.

Although the show is marketed as a comedy, the laughs are few and far between. There are some occasional chuckles—mainly from well-timed pauses or dry delivery—but nothing remotely “side-splitting.” If anything, the tone is more gently whimsical than comedic. The horror elements, meanwhile, never escalate beyond mild atmosphere, making the genre blend feel thin.

Staging was another major issue. The production was performed on the same level as the audience, with no raised platform. This meant that anyone seated beyond the first few rows struggled to see what was happening. A more effective use of the space would have been to reconfigure the layout and stage the play along the length of the room, allowing the audience to sit in a thrust-style arrangement with better sightlines.

Technical elements also left a lot to be desired. Lighting changes were sluggish and often failed to land with precision, dulling their intended impact. Sound effects—particularly those meant to create tension—were uncomfortably loud and jarring, making them feel unrealistic rather than immersive.

When You Die has an original idea at its core, and the ensemble cast show commitment, but a slow script, poor visibility, and clunky tech leave the production feeling half-formed. A missed opportunity that doesn’t quite come to life.

The production moves to the Empty Space Theatre on 24th July. For tickets and information, please visit https://greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/events/when-you-die/

Reviewer: Brian Madden

Reviewed: 23rd July 2025

North West End UK Rating: