Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

The Grim

 
Lisa Simonis Review by Lisa Simonis 3 Published: 3 Aug 2024 Underbelly, Bristo Square Show Dates: 31 Jul 2024-25 Aug 2024

Do you believe in ghosts? How about a who-done-it and a coverup? Then, you will be intrigued by The Grim. It follows the story of Shaun and Robert, two undertakers who encounter spine-tingling supernatural encounters while preparing a deceased murderer's body for his coffin. Audiences beware—you will experience the jump-scare of the Fringe.

Audiences beware—you will experience the jump-scare of the Fringe

The suspenseful set-up of the first half of the show is entirely performance-driven, relying on the actors to plant curiosity and fright in the audience's minds. Shaun is our non-believer, while Robert is his prone-to-superstition friend and colleague. The ambivalence between these two brilliantly sets up the story, and their quick-witted back-and-forth syntax will have you laughing.

The second half introduces a third cast member: the accused murderer Jackie Gallagher, whose addition challenges the mood and direction of the play. The accused murderer's energy creates suspenseful electricity in the room. While he has a factual justification for his violence, he lacks the emotional heart to persuade the audience to join his cause.

Despite a well-crafted story, The Grim ends abruptly. It feels like the first half of a much longer play, with the ending rushing to display the relevance of the grim to the story. The last line: "I am the Grim!" leaves more questions than answers, even with the supernatural at work. However, the journey is a thrilling one, especially if you're a fan of ghosts and the paranormal. It's worth seeing for the cast's chemistry on stage.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

London, 1964. Shaun and Robert are trying to get through another shift as undertakers in the East End, but on the day they're due to fit deceased murderer, Jackie Gallagher, for his coffin and with strange happenings afoot, all is not as it seems... Following the success of his 'holler-out-loud funny' (TheSmuReviews.co.uk) Fringe debut You're Dead, Mate, award-winning playwright Edmund Morris is back with his latest, darkest comedy: The Grim.