Wonderscape, Etcetera Theatre and Canal Cafe Theatre
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What happens when a reckless inventor is let loose? Learn what the mystery invention is and it’s impact at Wonderscape, with performances at Etcetera Theatre and Canal Cafe Theatre this August. Find out more and book here.
Of course, we couldn’t wait until August to find out more, so we grabbed some time with Wonder Company‘s Roxanne Barron to ask a few questions.
What can audiences expect from the show?
Wonderscape is a playful, poetic, and thought provoking new play that blends magical realism, humour, and emotional depth. Imaginative and unpredictable, it pulls you into a world of invention, ego, and friendship, where creativity spirals into chaos. It’s a surreal, intimate story about what we make, and what we risk in the pursuit of greatness. What good is success if it costs you the people who matter most?
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
Wonderscape was originally developed as a university project, where it received first-class recognition for its originality and emotional impact. It was then workshopped at Barons Court Theatre and performed in an early form at The Cockpit Theatre, where both audiences and actors responded enthusiastically to its humour, imagination, and intensity. After refining the script through feedback, I knew I was ready to share the full version with a wider audience. Camden Fringe felt like the perfect next step: bold, welcoming, and built for new voices. This run marks the premiere of Wonderscape in its final, fully realised form.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
The inspiration began with the character of Finley – a brilliant but reckless inventor whose imagination is as boundless as it is volatile. I’ve always been fascinated by the tension between creativity and ambition: how far we’ll go to chase an idea, and what that can cost us. At the same time, I was drawn to the ethical questions around the invention that Finley creates. And so, Wonderscape grew from those threads: a story about inner reckoning, unchecked ambition, and the danger when wonder meets ego.
How long have you been working on the play?
It began as a final-year university project in early 2024. After receiving strong feedback, I continued writing and developing it with rehearsals, workshops and previews throughout the year. In total, Wonderscape has been in the making for a year and a half.
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
The heart of the story has stayed the same, but it’s evolved a lot along the way. The beauty of the writing process is that you don’t always know where it’s going to lead you, and with a story like Wonderscape, there were multiple different ways it could’ve ended. For me, it was about narrowing down each option and choosing the one that felt like the most honest and emotional way to conclude this story. It has been such a joy to explore and expand this world, and that’s exactly why being a playwright is my passion.
Reaching the point where the story feels complete, where you’re proud of what it’s become, and seeing it fully come to life on stage is deeply rewarding. There’s nothing quite like arriving at that final moment with the great satisfaction of what you’ve made, and I thoroughly hope to continue that with my future projects.
What brought you all together?
I’ve built a small pool of performers I regularly collaborate with through my company, Wonder Company. Some of us met at university, where we first started developing Wonderscape, and over time we’ve explored the piece with actors stepping into new roles across various performances. For this Camden Fringe production, I put out a casting call to expand the team, and I was genuinely overwhelmed by the number of actors eager to be part of the show. The response was so encouraging, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found such talented, thoughtful performers. The cast I’ve assembled truly elevate the play and bring it to life. I’ve also connected with some brilliant actors during the audition process, who I’m excited to collaborate with on future projects.
If you had to describe your show as a colour what would it be?
Wonderscape would be orange – the play has a real warmth to it with vibrance, energy and imagination. It’s a story that starts as playful and creative, but things slowly spiral and become more intense, and orange feels like it has that balance.
What is the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show?
Definitely the birthday candle fork – or the helmet. But there are more where those came from, so you’ll have to come and see for yourself!
If budget or reality was not an issue, what’s the one piece of scenery/set you’d love to have in your show?
Act 2 is set in a treehouse, so I’d build the full dream version – rope ladders, swings, swaying floorboards, vines, maybe even a real tree growing in the space.
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
Do it. Even if it scares you. Say yes to the idea that’s been asking for your attention. Camden Fringe is such a special space because it welcomes the new, the unique, the personal kind of theatre. There is room for your voice. Trust the magic of sharing a story, and trust that someone out there is waiting to hear exactly what you have to say.
Thanks to Roxanne for chatting to us about Wonderscape. Catch the show at Etcetera Theatre on Monday 11 August and then at the Canal Cafe Theatre on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August.
