Maybe Next Time

2023

MAYBE NEXT TIME is a heartfelt and humorous theatre show directed by Ben Asensio and Scott Duncan, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Holly Stewart, Iona Wait, Emily Powell, Marley Hunter, Rory Agnew, Patrick Ward, Olivia Gordon, and Kayla Darroch. The show takes audiences on a journey through the many facets of love—new love, long-term relationships, romantic connections, friendships, and family bonds. Through a series of interconnected stories, the characters explore what love means to them, creating a tapestry of emotions that is as relatable as it is moving.

Renowned for its seamless blend of comedy and drama, MAYBE NEXT TIME delivers moments that range from laugh-out-loud hilarity—like John Travolta impressions and cringe-worthy karaoke—to deeply poignant reflections on loss and mortality. Asensio and Duncan’s contrasting directorial styles collide to create a production that is both chaotic and sincere, leaving audiences in tears—sometimes from laughter, sometimes from heartbreak.

The show’s origins are as remarkable as its content. Conceived by Ben Asensio, MAYBE NEXT TIMEwas pitched as part of the ‘Big C and Me’ charity fundraiser campaign, established by Keith Payne. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, Payne dedicated his final years to raising funds for cancer research and support. Asensio, who was working part-time at the Errol Sunday Market managed by Payne, proposed the idea of a theatre show to contribute to the cause. Despite initial hesitation about entrusting part of his legacy to a determined but headstrong 21-year-old, Payne ultimately gave Asensio his chance, securing approval from the Morris Leslie Group.

Asensio then approached Dundee & Angus College, where he had previously studied, and convinced them to host the show at The Space Theatre. Impressed by the scale of the Big C and Me initiative, the college couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved. With the venue secured, Asensio brought Scott Duncan on board, assembled a talented team, and made history. Together, they became the first—and only—students to return to Dundee & Angus College after graduating and independently produce a show.

Keith Payne lived to see the production and was deeply moved by the result. The show not only touched hearts but also raised £522.80 for The Big C and Me, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity, compassion, and community spirit.

MAYBE NEXT TIME is more than a play—it’s a testament to the power of art, collaboration, and the human spirit.