A gripping hour of spooky storytelling, perfect to kick off the Halloween season.
As the leaves start to change colour and crunch underfoot, we have finally entered ‘spooky season’–when many of us seek out an extra thrill or two as the long nights draw in. Writer and performer Lucy Spreckley’s new horror play, Skeleton, draws audiences into a complex web of memories, half-truths, and delusions.
The set is bare as audiences enter, with a single chair set amongst a scattering of autumn leaves on the floor. Over the first few minutes, Spreckley establishes a relaxed and quippy style of storytelling, crafting an illusion of comfort which is gradually shattered as the story’s tone slowly shifts into a much more ominous register. Spreckley has a masterful grip of cadence and pacing, shifting the mood easily between the dark subject matter and the humorous moments which punctuate the plotline with a few moments of light relief. With some compellingly original imagery and descriptions, Spreckley has created an engaging and memorable narrative voice, which truly shines in her ability to paint a striking portrait of each new character with just a few phrases. With some eerie sound effects and a few powerful lighting choices, this is simple storytelling at its best.
Skeleton asks us what it takes for us to reveal our secrets – fear? The desire for connection? For absolution? This twisted tale weaves together inspiration from an unlikely pair of sources: Shakespeare’s ghostly apparitions, who often appear to hold murderers accountable for their crimes, and an early 20th-century invention designed to elicit confessions from reticent criminals. Like many of the spookiest short stories, the erratic and, at times, feverish narration leaves the audience piecing together fragments of the plot; the narrator drops hints and flashbacks about horrors from their past which refuse to stay buried. This could easily be developed into a longer-form exploration of the character’s descent into distraction, which could allow a bit more time to flesh out these memories, but it’s also perfectly effective to leave the audience wanting more.
In today’s climate, where so many figures refuse to take accountability for their choices and misdeeds, Skeleton is a satisfying reminder that no one can truly outrun their past and, as Shakespeare reminds us, ‘the truth will out.’ If you’re looking for a way to kick off the Halloween season, which will have you both laughing out loud and jumping out of your seat, this gripping thriller is a deliciously spooky choice.
This show runs at Etcetera Theatre until 19th October. Tickets here.