History Has No Safe Word
Time comes for us all…

Professor Nathan Zangari is fading away. 

Once voted the sexiest professor on BBC2’s Open University, his highly celebrated archeo-linguistics paper on “Graffiti, Women and the Walls of Pompeii” is now but a distant memory.
Now, he can’t sleep, he can’t get published, and… he can’t get laid.
At the sleep-study clinic that he’s enrolled at, they observe him talking in his sleep, seemingly an intermediary for a long-forgotten Pompeian girl.
When overambitious student, Callie, offers to capture his mumblings, they both find themselves sucked into the very real lives of those on the edge of destruction, some 2000 years ago.
“… masterful stagecraft … immersive and engaging throughout… a highly accomplished piece of writing and performance… a visceral portrayal of life in Pompeii on the eve of the infamous Vesuvian eruption in 79 CE.
Brown clearly knows his history, and the way he brings Pompeii to life is nothing short of astonishing. There is a gripping action scene in the second half that had my wife reaching out her arms to intervene, so immersed was she in the story.
If historical drama is your thing, you’re in for a treat.”  Fringe Review, 2026.

Written and Performed
by Jonathan Brown

Latin Voice & Consultant: Ilse Morehouse.
Model for Methe:  Yuliia Zeria
Carpenters: Peter Melville-Brown, Luka Wrobel, Jonathan Brown.
Sound & Light Design: Jonathan Brown.

“…an extraordinary piece of theatre. So well imagined & constructed, each of so many characters fully realised …, the narrative pacing us closer & closer to the inevitable end.
Incredible performance, thank you!”
Mike Cary, Manager, The Victoria Institute – Arundel, 

“I wanted to say amazing, amazing, amazing! I knew you would be good. I so enjoyed immersing myself into something so focused and thorough and thoughtful. It’s such a treat to see a performance so intense and well crafted. Thank you and so well done!” Annie. Brighton.
“Amazing performance – I was so impressed by the story, the portrayal of the characters and your presence….what a talent you are.” Mark, Brighton. 
“We really enjoyed your performance – excellent and gripping throughout!  Great story on different levels,
Thank you very much for a really immersive and rewarding evening!” Jane, Arundel

Due to some very mature content the show is suitable for anyone aged 14+

Ashburton Arts Centre
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Level access from street – please contact us on boxoffice@ashburtonarts.org.uk if a wheelchair space is needed, or if you have any other special requirements.