“Would I do that?”
Audiences won’t be able to help but ask themselves the question after seeing Radiant Vermin, the latest production from Northern Lights Theatre, opening Thursday at Studio Theatre.
The play follows a young couple, Ollie and Jill, who are scraping by and about to start a family when they’re offered a free home from a mysterious government program. There’s just one catch: they must renovate the house themselves and “use discretion.” They take the offer not knowing what this ominous direction means, but they soon find out.
What begins as a hopeful, if strange, opportunity quickly spirals into a Faustian nightmare as the couple begins, in pursuit of their ideal life, making darker and more ethically questionable choices to complete the renovations. Saying any more would spoil the plot.
Playwright Philip Ridley made his name in the 1980s with controversial, often shocking works. Reading the disturbing script for Radiant Vermin, I assumed it must be from that era, but in fact this is considered one of his “lighter” works, thanks to a touch of humour throughout. It’s as funny as it is disturbing.
“This play feels incredibly timely,” says director Trevor Schmidt. “Even in the last few weeks, it’s felt more and more relevant. We’re talking about housing crises, economic disparity, and the collapse of the middle class. This show really pushes audiences to think — what would you do in that situation?”
Northern Light Theatre is known for bringing challenging works to Edmonton. Schmidt was drawn to Radiant Vermin’s dark humor, moral complexity and sheer theatricality. “All the plays that interest me are about the tension between self-interest and social responsibility. Most people make selfish decisions, and this play leans into that.”
A standout feature of this production is its choreography, with only three actors needing to command a dynamic stage presence with lots of movement.
“There’s a long section near the end that’s just wild,” says Schmidt. “The couple throws a birthday party for their baby, and the actors play themselves and all their neighbours. They’re jumping between five or six characters at once. It’s fast, funny, and really complicated — so I knew I needed someone great for movement.” Choreographer Ainsley Hilliard joins the production to help shape this high-energy sequence, blending physical theatre and character work seamlessly.
The cast features two emerging local talents, Eli Yacek and Rain Matkin, in the central roles, with veteran actress Holly Turner rounding out the trio. Schmidt says the contrast between youthful energy and seasoned experience creates a unique dynamic in the rehearsal room and on stage.
Radiant Vermin is poised to spark conversation long after the curtain falls. This is theatre that entertains, disturbs and lingers.
Radiant Vermin runs from April 17 – May 3, 2025 at Studio Theatre inside Fringe Theatre Adventures. Throughout its run are several evenings with discounted tickets.
