Set in 2030, Sushant Nair’s dark comedy 21 Days follows Jay, a man rebuilding his life after a break-up, whose spiral into anger, isolation and alcohol dependency is disrupted by the arrival of an enigmatic new flatmate, May. Nair writes, produces and stars, and tells Red Bus Londinium the humour comes from the gap between how Jay sees himself and how May sees him, with the loneliness beneath it never far away. Playing the Voila! Theatre Festival at Canal Cafe Theatre, it asks whether human connection can survive in a world of digital fixes.
Red Bus: What was the inspiration for 21 Days and why did you choose to set it in 2030?
Sushant Nair: It began with a simple observation about the increasing role of technology in our lives, particularly the rapid advancement of generative AI. I found myself repeatedly asking whether curiosity and introspection could encourage us to reflect on our actions, think more logically, and ultimately become better versions of ourselves.
It is set in 2030 as we live in an age where the rapid advancement of generative AI has sparked widespread discussion about the possibilities of near-future technology. I wanted to explore the unpredictability of how these developments might shape our everyday lives and personal relationships. Moreover, as generative AI increasingly learns and evolves, I saw it as a powerful lens through which to examine human nature, introspection, self-assurance and personal growth.
Red Bus: You write, produce and perform in the piece. What is it like to shape Jay’s story and also be the one living it on stage?
Sushant Nair: Jay is very different from who I am in real life. We approach conflict, relationships and personal challenges in almost opposite ways. Interestingly, I see much more of myself in May, played by Alanya, particularly in her direct, matter-of-fact approach to difficult situations. Creating and portraying someone who struggles with loneliness after a breakup and social awkwardness in a technology-driven society, yet longs for something tangible and deeply human, is both challenging and profoundly rewarding.
Red Bus: It is a dark comedy about alcohol dependency. How did you decide where the laughs sit without making light of the struggle?
Sushant Nair: For me, the humour comes from Jay and May’s contrasting personalities, their awkward interactions, and the gap between how Jay sees himself and how May perceives his behaviour. Their exchanges create space for laughter, while the emotional weight of his alcohol dependency remains firmly present.
The balance lies in allowing the consequences of his behaviour to register. Sometimes that means letting an uncomfortable moment breathe without immediately reaching for another joke. Humour can be a way of deflecting pain, and that is part of Jay’s character too. I want audiences to laugh, recognise something human in him, and still feel the loneliness beneath it. The comedy should deepen our connection to his struggle.
Red Bus: Your content warnings are detailed. How did you decide what to tell audiences in advance?
Sushant Nair: We wanted audiences to have enough information to make an informed choice about attending. We considered both the themes explored in the play and how they’re presented on stage, because reading about something and experiencing it in a live performance can feel very different. The aim was to be considerate while preserving the suspense and allowing audiences to discover the story for themselves.
Red Bus: After the 90 minutes, what do you hope someone carries out of the theatre with them?
Sushant Nair: We hope audiences leave the theatre reflecting on the idea that, while technology continues to evolve, our greatest progress comes through human connection, self-belief, personal growth and the resilience to overcome setbacks and move forward.
Booking details
Show: 21 Days
Venue: Canal Cafe Theatre
Dates and time: Friday 6 November and Saturday 7 November 2026, 7pm
Running time: 90 minutes
Age guidance: 16+
Content warnings: Mental health themes, alcohol addiction, references to drugs, flashing lights, strong language, content of a sexual nature and partial nudity
Festival: Voila! Theatre Festival 2026
Book tickets: https://www.voilafestival.co.uk/events/21-days/
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