A new musical inspired by Flat Earthers reveals that conspiracy theorists are often driven by loneliness and a deep need to belong.
Alex Moneypenny and Adam Tuffrey wrote The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth after researching the community, finding that believers often experience grief and isolation.
Unexpected Discovery
While watching the 2018 documentary Behind the Curve, Moneypenny noticed something sad about the Flat Earth movement. He wondered what drew ordinary people into such a disprovable belief.
His research uncovered that many followers join during personal crises, such as relationship breakdowns. A 2018 YouGov survey found that 84% of US adults believe the Earth is round, but only 66% of millennials do.
Community Insights
The Flat Earth Reddit community attracts over 70,000 visitors weekly. Members often share personal struggles, including family issues and parenting decisions influenced by their beliefs.
Moneypenny and Tuffrey found that even when faced with facts, believers dig in deeper. Their musical aims to understand rather than mock, acknowledging that believers are real people seeking connection.
From Research to Stage
The show follows Sharon Hargreaves, a 40-something convert, on a mission to prove the Earth is flat. The creators drew inspiration from their own lives, including a relative who denies the moon landings.
While not sympathizing with dangerous conspiracies, the musical explores why people seek certainty in uncertain times. It runs at Pleasance Dome from 5th to 30th August.
