Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Down to Chance
Maybe You Like It
Genre: Drama, Historical, Theatrical Storytelling, True-life
Venue: Pleasance
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Ellie Cooper and Robert Merriam work well as a duo, bouncing off each other with a fizzing energy that keeps up the frenetic pace for the entire hour-long duration.
Review
You might be vaguely familiar with the largest earthquake in American history – it hit Anchorage, Alaska, in 1964, and measured a 9.2 on the Richter scale. No? Neither was I before I watched Down to Chance, the charming offering from Maybe You Like It, returning for a second year to delight at the Fringe. The story of Genie Chance, a part-time radio host, who risked life and limb to save her community and family in the Great Alaskan Earthquake, the play follows exactly how the community came together in a time of great disaster.
Ellie Cooper and Robert Merriam are the stars of this particular show, with Cooper actually doubling as both writer and actor here. Playing an assortment of zany characters, including teenage interns, nosy neighbours, and a HAM radio enthusiast who might just be the crux to the whole rescue operation, Cooper and Merriam switch between each role with slick transitions, using props and various costume changes to signify the change of player.
They work well as a duo, bouncing off each other with a fizzing energy that keeps up the frenetic pace for the entire hour-long duration. Cooper’s Chance is particularly strong, with a staunch command of the room and a transatlantic accent seemingly straight off the airwaves. Likewise, Merriam’s General is an impressive performance, balancing a gruff exterior with a vulnerable underbelly (and love of sled dog racing).
The play takes a while to find its footing, but once Cooper and Merriam hit earthquake territory, they’re on a roll. Arguably the sheer number of character switching can be a tad overwhelming in moments, and it can sometimes take a second to follow exactly who is speaking, but the scope of the play is ambitious and works well as a cohesive unit. Overall, a heartwarming watch, with a charming message of community spirit. I, for one, am excited to see what this duo gets up to next.
