Review: CRYBABIES: THE SCARING at Pleasance Courtyard
The Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees return with a frantically funny horror-sketch masterpiece at Pleasance Two.
The Hook
Pulling off a cinematic horror spoof on stage takes rapid timing and absolute spatial control. Crybabies: The Scaring delivers both with brilliant ease. Returning to the Fringe, comedy trio Michael Clarke, Ed Jones, and James Hamilton deliver a deliciously unhinged narrative sketch show that crams virtually every classic horror movie trope into a single, non-stop laughing hour at Pleasance Two.
The Execution
Directed with punchy momentum by Jon Brittain, the story follows former priest Arthur Holland as he checks into a haunted, remote hotel. While the storyline is delightfully silly, the structure holds together remarkably well. The technical execution is surprisingly sharp for a Fringe run: quick lighting shifts and sudden sound effects pull off genuine jump scares that instantly pivot into big, room-shaking laughs.
The performing trio is exceptionally strong. Their quick-witted banter, silly punchlines, and seamless physical comedy keep the room electric from start to finish. Most jokes land with sharp intent, proving that even the most chaotic farce relies on tight cues and razor-sharp comic timing.
The Verdict
An insanely funny, trope-busting triumph, if you like to laugh at classic horror, run to get a ticket (just be prepared for a few genuinely silly jump scares along the way).
Crybabies: The Scaring plays at Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Two) through August 30, 2026.
Get Broadway News on WhatsApp
Receive the latest updates, breaking news, and exclusive coverage from Broadway directly in WhatsApp.
Love Theater in Ireland? Join The Community!
Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.
Learn More
|
David Nihill: Taking Tangents The Everyman (10/03-10/03) |
|
|
Mná na hÉireann Ambassador Theatre (10/14-10/16) |
|
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage Bord Gais Energy Theatre (3/02-3/13) |
|
Disney Princess: the Concert 3Olympia Theatre (4/21-4/22) |
|
|
Murder Trial Tonight V - Death in the Family 3Olympia Theatre (3/08-3/08) |
|
Cats Bord Gais Energy Theatre (3/16-3/20) |
|
Twelve Angry Men Bord Gais Energy Theatre (2/09-2/13) |
|
|
Give My Head Peace Vicar Street (4/04-4/04) |
|
Two MR PS In a Podcast: Live - Let That Be a Lesson Ambassador Theatre (2/27-2/27) |
|
|
Steve Steinman''s Bat! Bat Out of Hell 50th Anniversary Tour 3Olympia Theatre (10/20-10/20) |
Reader Reviews
To post a comment, you must register and login.