Truth, Lies and the Whatever’s In Between…Knock And Run Theatre Tackles The Lifespan Of A Fact

Source: Knock and Run Theatre

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than ever and “facts” seem increasingly open to interpretation, Knock And Run Theatre is diving headfirst into the messy, hilarious and deeply relevant world of The Lifespan Of A Fact.

The acclaimed Broadway hit written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell, based on the book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal, is coming to audiences in a sharp, fast-paced new production from Newcastle’s beloved indie theatre company. Known for producing bold, intelligent and often slightly chaotic work, Knock And Run Theatre seems perfectly suited to a play built around clashing egos, journalistic ethics and the maddening pursuit of truth.

At its core, The Lifespan Of A Fact follows a young fact-checker assigned to verify an essay written by a celebrated author. What begins as a routine editorial process quickly spirals into a battle over accuracy, artistic licence and whether emotional truth matters more than literal truth. The result is a whip-smart comedy packed with rapid-fire dialogue, mounting tension and painfully relatable workplace dysfunction.

The play first gained widespread attention on Broadway, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Cherry Jones, and Bobby Cannavale and gained acclaim for its razor-sharp writing and timely subject matter, earning praise for transforming what sounds like a niche literary argument into something thrillingly theatrical. In the hands of Knock And Run Theatre, it promises to become even more immediate: equal parts comedy, debate and social commentary.The production also boasts a powerhouse cast bringing the play’s intellectual warfare to life. James Chapman takes on the role of Jim Fingal, the determined young fact-checker whose relentless pursuit of accuracy drives the play’s central conflict. Opposite him, Angela Robertson plays editor Emily Penrose, the exhausted but fiercely capable mediator trying to balance artistic integrity, deadlines and two impossible personalities. Rounding out the trio is Carl Caulfield as celebrated essayist John D’Agata, a charismatic and infuriating writer who believes emotional truth can outweigh factual precision. Adding another fascinating layer to the play, both Jim Fingal and John D’Agata are not fictional inventions, but are based on (and named after) the real-life author and fact-checker behind the original source material that inspired the production. Together, the cast forms a tense and electric dynamic, shifting seamlessly between biting comedy, philosophical debate and moments of genuine vulnerability.

Founded in Newcastle, NSW, Knock And Run Theatre has built a reputation for championing daring independent theatre and emerging artists while maintaining a distinctly cheeky personality. Their productions often blend humour with emotional honesty, making them a natural fit for a story that swings wildly between absurdity and sincerity. Earlier this year, Knock And Run staged the Newcastle premiere of “I And You”, which earned critical acclaim. The company will also co-produce a production of “Radium Girls” with Hunter Drama’s Actors Company in November.

While The Lifespan of a Fact is undeniably funny, its themes cut close to the bone. In a world shaped by clickbait headlines, online arguments and increasingly blurred lines between journalism, storytelling and opinion, the play asks audiences to consider a deceptively difficult question: how much truth is enough?

The show also explores the collision between generations and ideologies. The obsessive young fact-checker represents a world demanding accountability and precision, while the charismatic essayist champions instinct, emotion and artistic interpretation. Caught in the middle is an exhausted editor trying desperately to keep everything, and everyone, from imploding. The dynamic creates a theatrical pressure cooker filled with wit, frustration and uncomfortable truths.

For audiences familiar with Knock And Run’s work, the production is likely to deliver the company’s trademark energy: intimate performances, bold creative choices and a strong emphasis on storytelling that feels immediate and alive. For newcomers, it offers an ideal introduction to the company’s style: smart theatre that refuses to feel overly polished or detached.

One of the most compelling things about The Lifespan Of A Fact is how universal its conflict feels. Nearly everyone has argued over a memory, exaggerated a story for dramatic effect or reshaped events to make themselves sound better. The play simply magnifies those instincts until they become impossible to ignore.

It is also a love letter, albeit a deeply dysfunctional one, to writers, editors and creative people. Anyone who has ever collaborated on a project, rewritten a sentence twenty times or fought passionately over wording will likely see themselves reflected somewhere in the chaos.

At a time when audiences are craving theatre that feels urgent without sacrificing entertainment, The Lifespan Of A Fact arrives as exactly the kind of story built for the current moment. It is clever without being pretentious, topical without feeling preachy and laugh-out-loud funny while still asking genuinely difficult questions.

Most importantly, it reminds us that facts may matter - but the stories we build around them matter too.

With this production, Knock And Run Theatre continues its mission of creating work that is daring, human and just a little bit unruly. And honestly, a play about people screaming over commas and truth might be exactly what audiences need right now.

The Lifespan Of A Fact will be presented at The Playhouse (Civic Theatre) from 9 to 12 September, with 5 shows only. Tickets are available at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or by calling the box office on 4929 1977.