So.Glad Arts presents
Creepy Boys
Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre
Friday 25 October 2024
Creepy Boys is a somewhat immersive fringe experience with a pair of actors that are so in tune with one another that it would give synchronised swimmers a run for their money. You can tell that this is an established show as the audience reactions, which is usually laughter, does not phase them - and that adds to the humour of this comedy.
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| Photo: Nick Robertson Photography |
You are invited to the 13th birthday party of a pair of twins. When I say you are invited, the cast comprising of S.E. Grummett and Sam Kruger splurge out of the auditorium and encourage the audience to take up their seats. As you try to find your spot, you are accosted to help out by blowing up balloons or holding banners. Immediately you realise that the audience will be joining the cast (though we stayed in our seats - it isn't that type of show). As the cast ooze charm they quickly get the audience on board. This Canadian duo know how to handle the potentially reserved UK theatre audience.
The show centres around precocious egotistical twins that may have previous been involved in some incidents that has resulted in them still needing a babysitter. There are many laughs as the party unfolds. This is, in part, down to the fun way in which they announce the structure of the show. So we are told we are about to witness some exposition before the back history comes in - but in doing so the room was full of laughter as the Friday night crowd really took the show to their hearts.
In not delivering plot spoilers, it is difficult to go much further in how events unfold. The unconventional meets the interesting and leaves a pleasing impression through the quick and sure footed paced production. You feel involved as you are led on the children's enthusiasm for Willem Dafoe and a particular version of the Spiderman movie franchise. That level of engagement ensures that the show feels a lot quicker than the approx 70 minute run-time. The horror elements are more down to human nature, and the questionable music choices, rather than the attempt to summon Satan.
The chemistry between the actors is transmitted across to the audience through their engaging style. This is a really energetic performance that you, as you watch, feel very much a part of.
The show is blast and is a reminder how vital fringe theatre and its venues are to the cultural climate. Fringe isn't just about Edinburgh in August after all.
Unique, energetic and fun, The Creepy Boys may be two individuals that would be hard to love in real life - but they make for cracking theatre.
Review: Stephen Oliver
On The Web:
Website: www.sogladarts.ca
Instagram: @thecreepyboys
Facebook: @thecreepyboys
Twitter: @thecreepyboys
TikTok: @the_creepy_boys
UK tour to visit Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Sheffield, Manchester and Exeter - details: https://www.sogladarts.ca/creepy-boys-uk-tour
Age Recommendation and Content Warning
16+
Audience participation, brief nudity, scenes of a sexual nature, strong language/swearing
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