Review: CRYBABIES: THE SCARING, Soho Theatre
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Fresh from an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, comedy troupe Crybabies have brought their all-new horror spoof The Scaring to London’s Soho Theatre.
It is no easy feat to replicate the success of a fringe production but this parody play is such a slick operation from start to finish, complemented by some impressive staging, that it feels inevitable the show will be a success in the capital also.
Written and performed by the Crybabies trio Michael Clarke, James Gault and Ed Jones, The Scaring follows disillusioned priest Father Arthur Holland (aka Fat Arth Hol, played by Clarke) as he checks into Mr Lyle’s (Jones) haunted hotel.
There, Holland is confronted not just by the ghosts of his past but supernatural demons and yes, actual ghosts too, as he encounters a rich array of comedy-horror spoof tropes that continues to make the genre so popular and appealing.
Compared with some other fringe shows, Cecilia Carey’s set and costume design really stands out and works well with Nina Dunn’s video design, as well as John Bulleid’s illusions. The Scaring is likely to appeal to fans of fellow fringe success Police Cops, but also those with a taste for the irreverent humour of The Mighty Boosh and Inside No 9.
The laughs come thick and fast, with some clever wordplay and standout physical comedy going down especially well in the audience. The first half of this hour-long play is definitely stronger, however, as it eventually loses a little momentum to the intricacy of the plot itself.
The trio blend so well together, with Jones especially in his element, highlighting his comedic range as a smorgasbord of hilarious characters. Likewise, Gault as Mr Lyle’s oversized and spooky son, Slimothy. The Scaring proves to be the perfect vehicle for all three of the group to showcase their combined comedic prowess.
As mentioned, it’s all very slick and perhaps some space for light improv work and the ensuing chaos that could lead to would add to the DIY, off-the-wall aesthetic but, for the most part, it is easy to see why Crybabies’ latest effort has proved such a hit and garnered rave reviews north of the border.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Tom Ambrose
Crybabies: The Scaring plays at Soho Theatre until 23 September, with further information here.
