Two exorcist-priests – Barrett and Holland – are hunting a demon when things go wrong, taking down Barrett and leaving a lot unsaid between the two. Holland washes up years later as an organiser of immersive stag parties, before taking on one last job: a haunting at the Lyle Away Hotel.
If that could summarise a straight horror show, that’s one of the many delights on offer: though Crybabies are a sketch comedy troupe, there are enough jump scares and genuinely spooky happenings here for the show to entertain even a stony-faced horror fan.
For the rest of us, even better news: it’s hilarious, too. Flawless physical comedy, jokes any stand-up would pay top dollar for, a script that rewards repeat viewings, sight gags at every conceivable opportunity: The Scaring is fringe comedy theatre perfected, from the nation’s best sketch troupe.
Their third full-length show, The Scaring is Crybabies’ most ambitiously staged yet, with some big surprises. But the trio has shrewdly protected what’s always been the core of their charm: that feeling of schoolkid glee of three pals putting on a show purely for their own amusement.
British sketch comedy has long been looking for its next megastars. Look no further.
Crybabies: The Scaring, Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 Aug (not 18), 8pm