I Watched Someone Die on Tiktok
19 – 21 September 2025
A 60 minute live infinite doom scroll that combines raw data, raw emotions and raw comedy. A pixelated and picaresque solo show about “the algorithm”—that vague, shadowy, inhuman entity and the unsettling experience of navigating today’s digital hellscape. On a mindless scroll Charlotte watched a TikTok of a 5-year-old girl dying. Then a Princess Polly clothing haul, then police body cam footage of a shooting. Devastated by the whiplash of content; she cried, dissociated for a bit and willingly entered the digital dystopia once more. I Watched Someone Die on TikTok didactically yet darkly yet delicately dissects what happens when we’re not able to be left to our own devices. Exploring the history, addiction and exploitation of our current digital desires and fears. Connecting the personal to the global. Utilising the rapid fire short form of TikTok, the audience will be drip fed the byte-sized, tender morsels of the dark and light in comprehending the feed that feeds on us. ★★★★★ "Strap yourself in for a wild ride and prepare to have your synapses blown. Charlotte Otton is a force to be reckoned with" - ArtsHub ★★★★ "Infinitely thrilling and terrifying" - The Age “Terrifying and hilarious, and simultaneously thrilling and introspective.” - Stage Whispers “Charmingly unhinged” - Audience Member THEATRE & PERFORMANCE WEEKLY WINNER - Perth Fringe World 2025 THEATRE & PERFORMANCE OVERALL NOMINEE - Perth Fringe World 2025 BEST IN THEATRE NOMINEE - Melbourne Fringe 2024 JUDGES PICK - Melbourne Fringe 2024 This work was developed through the Performance Space Live Dreams program and Brand X The Flying Nun Program. It is proudly the recipient of Sydney Fringe’s Made in Sydney program for 2025.
Show details:
Synopsis
19 – 21 September 2025
A 60 minute live infinite doom scroll that combines raw data, raw emotions and raw comedy. A pixelated and picaresque solo show about “the algorithm”—that vague, shadowy, inhuman entity and the unsettling experience of navigating today’s digital hellscape.
On a mindless scroll Charlotte watched a TikTok of a 5-year-old girl dying. Then a Princess Polly clothing haul, then police body cam footage of a shooting. Devastated by the whiplash of content; she cried, dissociated for a bit and willingly entered the digital dystopia once more.
I Watched Someone Die on TikTok didactically yet darkly yet delicately dissects what happens when we’re not able to be left to our own devices. Exploring the history, addiction and exploitation of our current digital desires and fears. Connecting the personal to the global.
Utilising the rapid fire short form of TikTok, the audience will be drip fed the byte-sized, tender morsels of the dark and light in comprehending the feed that feeds on us.
★★★★★ “Strap yourself in for a wild ride and prepare to have your synapses blown. Charlotte Otton is a force to be reckoned with” – ArtsHub
★★★★ “Infinitely thrilling and terrifying” – The Age
“Terrifying and hilarious, and simultaneously thrilling and introspective.” – Stage Whispers
“Charmingly unhinged” – Audience Member
THEATRE & PERFORMANCE WEEKLY WINNER – Perth Fringe World 2025
THEATRE & PERFORMANCE OVERALL NOMINEE – Perth Fringe World 2025
BEST IN THEATRE NOMINEE – Melbourne Fringe 2024
JUDGES PICK – Melbourne Fringe 2024
This work was developed through the Performance Space Live Dreams program and Brand X The Flying Nun Program. It is proudly the recipient of Sydney Fringe’s Made in Sydney program for 2025.
DATES & TIMES
Friday 19 September, 8pm
Saturday 20 September, 8pm
Sunday 21 September, 7pm
SHOW PACKAGES
BUY WEEK 2 DOUBLE BILL AND SAVE
Pricing: Standard $60.00* / Concession $50.00*
(Includes two shows across one evening)
Featuring :
- Takatāpui
- I Watched Someone Die on Tiktok
BUY FESTIVAL PASS AND SAVE
Pricing: Standard $60.00* / Concession $50.00*
( Includes all festival shows across two evenings)
Featuring :
- The Cadaver Palaver: A Bennett Cooper Sullivan Adventure
- Superposition
- I Watched Someone Die on Tiktok
- Takatāpui
*A transaction fee applies.
CREATIVES & CAST CREDITS
Producer: Zoe Hollyoak (essential workers)
Director: Maddie Diggins
Writer / Performer: Charlotte Otton
Collaborator: Lindsay McDonald
Dramaturg: Harriet Gillies
Composer: Solomon Frank
Lighting Designer / Operator (Melbourne & Sydney TBC): Annika Bertinat
Lighting Designer / Operator (Perth & Sydney TBC): Matthew Erren
Details
PRESENTED BY:
Canberra Theatre Centre New Works
DURATION:
Approximately 1 hour, with no interval
WARNINGS:
This performance may contain haze and strobe lights effects.
AGE SUITABILITY:
This performance is suitable for audiences aged 18+ or with parental discretion.
LATECOMERS:
For most performances, latecomers cannot be admitted until a break in the performance. Please allow plenty of time to cover traffic and parking delays.
VENUE:
The Courtyard Studio
ACCESS INFORMATION
TICKETING & SAFETY
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Concessions
A range of concession prices are available to all our Canberra Theatre Centre patrons, and the exact nature of concessions will vary from show to show. We recommend that you check the specific pricing of each show when making your purchasing decision. Where concession prices are listed, proof of eligibility for concession must be presented at the Canberra Ticketing Box Office upon collection of tickets or full price may be charged.
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Here at Canberra Theatre Centre, we are committed to delivering safe & enjoyable performing arts experiences. View important information at COVID Safe Operations.