Words: Elodie Marriott

5 stars

If you repeat ‘five star comedy show’ into a mirror three times during the Fringe, a blood-splattered QR code for The Scaring will be sent to you by email.

The comedy trio, Crybabies, have brewed a ‘terrifying tale’ with equal parts absurdist humour and high-quality production. Enabled by breakneck costume changes, the show is filled with memorable characters including a former priest turned stag do coordinator, a dressing-gowned spirit with unfinished business, and a hotel manager who isn’t keen on any sleuthing: “You’re a guest, buster. Not a ghostbuster.” 

Crybabies rip the rug from underneath us so many times, a breathless ovation will have to suffice in showing our admiration until we’ve recovered from being so comedically winded. Packed with thrillingly inventive wordplay and super(natural) physical gags, they couldn’t have fit more jokes into the hour runtime even if they tried. The narrative is ambitious and a lovingly informed homage to horror, successfully reanimating tropes and reconstructing them into a flawlessly spoofy addition to their body of work.

Though the show features some genuine scares, don’t be tricked. The Scaring is a total treat.

Crybabies: The Scaring
Pleasance Two at Pleasance Courtyard 
20.00
5-30 Aug