.png)
REVIEW | Crybabies: The Scaring, Soho Theatre - London
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review. All views are our own
After a month-long, sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Crybabies: The Scaring has arrived in London, playing at the Soho Theatre throughout September. It is an absolute delight for anyone who enjoys both spooky yet silly horror and comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Created and performed by comedy trio Ed Jones, James Gault and Michael Clarke, Crybabies: The Scaring is a jam-packed 60-minute comedy-horror filled with visual gags, clever puns, physical comedy and jokes that will have you belly-laughing from beginning to end.
At the centre of the story is Father Arthur Holland (Michael Clarke), a former priest who retired after losing his partner (or better yet, lover) during a demonic investigation and failed exorcism. He finds himself summoned to the mysterious Lyle Away Hotel, where he is welcomed by its extremely devoted manager, Mr Lyle (Ed Jones), and his six-year-old son Slimothy (played by the comically tall James Gault in one of the best kid outfits you could ask for), starting an investigation, reluctantly ready to perform another exorcism to banish the hotel’s resident demon.
Gault also plays a ghost who becomes Arthur's companion throughout the show, and their dynamic is absolutely hilarious. Gault's physical comedy and chemistry with Clarke makes for some of the show's funniest moments, while the increasingly bizarre supernatural investigation takes us through ghosts, demons, blackouts, levitating lights and plenty of unexpected twists.
The show is definitely more comedy than true horror, but that doesn't mean it can't make you jump. A few perfectly timed pre-recorded screams had the audience jumping out of their seats, particularly the first few times they happened. The comedy trio is phenomenal, with each performer bringing their own strengths and committing completely to every ridiculous moment. Clarke's deadpan delivery makes him the perfect centre for the chaos, Jones is eccentric as the subservient Mr Lyle, and Gault is a standout both as Slimothy and Arthur's ghostly companion Gerry. Their chemistry as a trio is what makes the show work so well.
Jon Brittain's direction keeps the pace fast and the comedy flowing, while Cecilia Carey's set design cleverly transforms the stage. Initially covered in spooky white sheets, the set gradually reveals different parts of the hotel as the story progresses. The technical elements work together so well without ever overshadowing the comedy. Nina Dunn's video design, Ed Lewis' sound design, John Bulleid's illusions and Bethany Gupwell's lighting all help create the show's wonderfully spooky atmosphere, while adding to its many comic moments and jump scares
In just 60 minutes, the trio manages to tell a complete supernatural story, build memorable characters, deliver an impressive number of jokes while creating some genuinely eerie moments. Crybabies: The Scaring is silly, spooky, a great theatrical evening out, and I was already recommending it to friends on my way out. If you're looking for something extremely fun, fast-paced and completely unhinged to see in London this September, this is the show for you.
★★★★★
Crybabies: The Scaring plays until September 23rd at Soho Theatre London:
