Review: The Flutter Paradox

📍 Golden Goose Theatre

🗓️ 11th June 2026

🎟️ PR Invite

Written by Nellie Elms and Cheta Mmeka, The Flutter Paradox is a compelling play that poses the question: what if?

The story follows Gina, who is destined to have a child that will save half the human race — if her life unfolds according to plan. However, when she unexpectedly meets Archie, her future begins to shift, creating a “flutter” that alters the course of her destiny.

Scientists Freddie and Zoey have calculated every possibility to ensure Gina stays on the correct path for the sake of the world. But can they stop the blossoming relationship developing between her and Archie?

Gina (Lizzie Coles) and Archie (Oliver Manley) share great chemistry, and it's clear from the moment they meet that there’s an instant spark between them. Their interactions are awkward, playful and full of warmth, making their dynamic feel completely natural. Coles and Manley do a really great job of creating this bond between their characters, making it easy for the audience to become invested in their story.

Meanwhile, Zoey (Nellie Elms) and Freddie (Max Gardner) have a much more awkward dynamic. From the outset, it's clear there's more to their relationship than simply being colleagues, with the reasons gradually becoming clear as the play progresses. 

It is interesting to watch them interfere with Gina and Archie's lives as they try to keep them on the path they're meant to follow.

The cast all do a fantastic job of bringing their characters to life, delivering believable performances throughout. The playfulness of Gina and Archie's relationship, paired with the awkwardness of the scientists, creates a great balance.

Nellie Elms captures Zoey's uncertainty and fear of making the wrong decision as she tries to force Gina to follow a particular path really well. Meanwhile, Freddie's frustration at the constant changes to the potential future and his plans being scuppered provides some really humorous moments.

What is particularly impressive about the writing is how it leaves the audience questioning what the right thing to do is.

Should Gina be forced to follow the path that's been destined for her, or should she be free to choose her own future?

It's a really interesting concept for a play, and I think it is executed well throughout. Initially, the pacing is quite fast, which makes it a little harder to settle into the story. However, once things find their rhythm, I was completely hooked.

Corey-Rhys Edwards and Haydn Watts’ direction is effective within the intimate performance space, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the characters and their stories.

Simple props, including tables and chairs, are used effectively, while movable screens help signal changes in scene and location. Their movement gives the production a fluid feel, mirroring the way the characters' futures constantly shift.

The lighting by Cwtch Productions also supports the themes of the play, with different colours used to represent different characters. The use of dimming and focusing on individual characters during solo moments helps to highlight their emotions and draw the audience further into their stories.

The 60-minute runtime absolutely flew by, with plenty of action and humour balanced beautifully throughout.

Overall, The Flutter Paradox is a clever and compelling story that I really enjoyed. I am excited to see where this goes, as with some adjustments, I think it could become a really exciting watch.

I always love a production that leaves you with something to think about, and this one certainly does that — even having the audience vote on what they think is the right thing to do. Is the life and happiness of one person less important than that of billions?

The Flutter Paradox is a thought-provoking play that explores fate, choice and whether the greater good should always come before individual happiness. It leaves you with plenty to think about long after leaving the theatre, and I’m really interested to see how this story continues to develop.