The Lifespan of a Fact
9-12 September 2026
Presented by Knock And Run Theatre
Partly true, loosely factual, and entirely entertaining, this sharp Broadway comedy makes its Newcastle debut in a production directed by Patrick Campbell (Hangmen).Angela Robertson (The Goat or Who Is Sylvia) stars alongside James Chapman (School Of Rock: The Musical) and Carl Caulfield (Being Sellers) in a fast-paced clash of ideas about truth, storytelling, and the blurred line between fact and fiction.
Fresh out of Harvard and interning at a prestigious literary magazine, Jim Fingal jumps at the chance when his editor hands him what seems like a dream assignment: fact-check celebrated writer John D’Agata’s latest essay, set to go to print in just five days. But what begins as routine proofreading quickly spirals into something much messier. Days later, Fingal is still untangling inaccuracies, embellishments, and outright fabrications hidden within the opening sentence alone.
Determined to get answers, he confronts D’Agata directly… a decision that could either launch his career or completely derail it.
Can facts be bent in service of a greater truth? Does storytelling sometimes reveal more than reality itself? And who gets to decide where honesty ends and artistic licence begins?
Adapted from the acclaimed book of the same name, The Lifespan of a Fact is a witty, intelligent, and fiercely relevant exploration of truth in the modern age, challenging audiences to decide for themselves where they stand. Full of crackling dialogue, fans of Succession, The West Wing and The Newsroom will love The Lifespan Of A Fact.
Join the Knock And Run Theatre company for a Q&A on Friday 11 September performance only.
Running time 1 hr 10 mins, no interval. Running times are approximate and subject to change without notice.
Recommended for ages 14+. This performance contains mild coarse language, references to suicide and alcohol.
