Our Editor, Rich Sutherland, went to see The Void during its visit to Hull Truck Theatre.
I had the chance to see The Void by Thunder Road Theatre during the one night it was in Hull, and it turned out to be one of those productions that stays with you long after you’ve left the venue. It’s completely gripping from the very first moment; the kind of show that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the final blackout.
At its heart, The Void is a clever blend of science fiction and horror, weaving together a dystopian future with an unnerving sense of mystery. Fans of the Alien movies will instantly recognise the same creeping tension and claustrophobic atmosphere. But this isn’t a copy; it’s a fresh and thought-provoking take that asks bigger questions as it unfolds. Just when you think you’ve got the measure of it, the story twists, leaving you second-guessing and leaning forward in your seat.
The performances are excellent, bringing a raw energy that makes the high-stakes drama feel urgent and believable. There’s a real sense of unity here, with the actors bouncing off one another and heightening the anxiety at just the right time. And amidst the suspense and mystery, there are also some genuinely heartbreaking moments; flashes of humanity and vulnerability that cut through the darkness and give the story real emotional weight.
Visually and technically, the production is stunning. The set design strikes a balance between being stark and functional with a haunting feel, perfectly capturing the bleakness of a dystopian future. Sound, lighting and movement effects are used with real precision, ramping up the suspense and creating moments that genuinely send a shiver down your spine. One of the most interesting elements is the use of projections, which carry the story forward in unexpected ways. They don’t just decorate the stage, they’re integral to the storytelling, adding layers of intrigue and immersing the audience even deeper into the world of the play.
What I loved most about The Void is how it makes you think as much as it makes you feel. Yes, it’s dark, mysterious and full of sci-fi horror thrills, but beneath that it’s also exploring big ideas about the future, human choices, ethics, society, and the things we fear most. It’s rare to find a production that can combine the intensity of a horror film with the depth of live theatre, and this one pulls it off with style.
In short, The Void is a thought-provoking piece of theatre. It’s perfect for fans of dystopian fiction and science fiction horror, but it also has enough originality and artistry to appeal to anyone who enjoys bold, imaginative theatre. With its high-strung storyline, poighnant human experiences and powerful design, Thunder Road Theatre have created something special: a show that keeps you guessing, makes you think, and leaves you with plenty to talk about on the way home.
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