Examining the clashing forces on climate change, from eco-activists to oil barons and airheaded celebrities trying to make a change, Crash and Burn not only delivers on a very funny concept examining the lengths people will go to halt climate change (or avoid any culpability for their actions) but also a story with a strong sense of intrigue, with a slow building tension interlaced with some interesting twists that keeps you hooked throughout every minute on the fate of the flight at hand.
A strong sense of humour, tension and intrigue
As oil tycoon James Johnson gets on a private jet to COP26 with American celebrity turned politician Amodius Vassano, the plane is revealed to have been hijacked by an eco-terrorist group and there is only one hour until it crashes on a Glasgow airstrip killing everyone on board, unless Johnson confesses to crimes he committed whilst running his oil company.
The whole script has an excellent build of tension throughout, as the stalwart and
uncompromising Johnson naturally clashes with the frantic panicking of Vassano and his aide, with both getting increasingly more frantic as their demise draws ever closer. This comes alongside the clashes between hijacker Lewis and Johnson, but also between Johnson and his daughter, leading to a story with interesting developments, as well as one which keeps the tension going throughout as several interlacing conflicts develop between different groups of passengers on the flight.
The script itself is also very funny, with the terminal fate of the passengers leading some to discover newfound passions; Vassano's morals chop and change to ensure he survives, whilst his assistant discovers brand new facts about herself at what seems to be right at the end. Some great use of physical theatre to show the passing of time and accentuate particularly tense moments, creates a strong sense of style for the whole piece.
Will Leckie's Crash and Burn is a very tightly written piece, with a strong sense of humour, tension and intrigue. The whole show is very well put together and absolutely worth the watch!
