REVIEW: THE GRAVEYARD SNACK Camden Fringe at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 22 – 24 August 2024

‘polished show which is hugely entertaining’ ★★★★

International ensemble Other Mysteries Theatre present a very polished show, kudos to the costume designer for well thought-out all in ones, reminiscent of Ghostbusters. 

In a reversal, radio host Iris Osiris (Mackenzie Larsen) has been working in the afterlife’s only radio station for millennia when a living person is smuggled into her world below. It’s up to Iris and her team to repair the fault or suffer the dire consequences of the end of the world as they know it. In the programme we’re told that it’s linked to the climate crisis, a rather hot topic connection best not mentioned again here.

It's more about sitting back, and enjoying a highly imaginative show, skilfully played, with plenty of nods to contemporary life and some nicely placed irony. I particularly enjoyed the scene introducing new characters, ‘Imposter syndrome’ and ‘Mansplaination’. Also of note, and my absolutely favourite character played by the shapeshifting Caylyn Sheldon, ‘the head of human resources’. Sheldon also plays Cumulus, Thanatos, Callers, Imposter Syndrome, Becca and Isolation.   

There’s a plethora of characters and wacky scenes, culminating in the living body turning out to be ‘David Attenborough’ worrying about climate change (oops, said I wouldn’t mention it again). If anyone should wish to know what lockdown looks like in the afterlife, just take a look in the basement of Radio Station 666 and listen to the truncated screams from below.  

Sound and lighting are spot on in this very quick-fire show.  There is no time to dwell on anything, it’s just pure entertainment and very well achieved at that. Anyone who would like to get a taste of Other Mysteries work can listen in to their podcasts (link below). 

THE GRAVEYARD SNACK:

Created by Other Mysteries Theatre

LEAD WRITERS:

Ashlyn Olson, Candice MacAllister, Joe Walsh

CAST

Mackenzie Larsen, Jonah Walsh, James Lyon, Caylyn Sheldon

VOICEOVER

Benson MacAllister

CREATIVES

Director and Producer: Candice MacAllister

Assistant Director: Joe Walsh

Lighting & Technical: Rebecca Lyon

Theme Song: Candice MacAllister & James Smitthells

Additional Soundscapes: James Smithells

OTHER MYSTERIES SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter: @TheMidnightSna3

Instagram other_mysteries_theatre

Web: candicemacallister.wixsite.com/themidnightsnack