Writer: Georgy Pleece
Director: Elizabeth Huskisson
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Superbly Surreal“
4 / 5
Anyone that has ever worked in retail, sales or customer services will undoubtably agree that some days feel like hell on earth, and Leonard is definitely feeling the heat.
After receiving multiple 1 star reviews, Leonard’s (Alexander McGonagle) performance is being monitored, much to his frustration. Irate customers calling with ridiculous, unsolvable complaints are not getting him any closer to winning the candy floss machine that’s been promised to the employee with the best record. So when a mysterious caller promises not fame or fortune, but glowing reviews destined to get him higher up on the leaderboard, it’s impossible to turn down. But what is he willing to give up for his coveted candyfloss machine and is he going to regret sealing the deal?
This superbly surreal horror comedy is an absolute joy – the silly gags and constant energy keeps the audience giggling from beginning to end. It’s well layered too, and includes a variety of different aspects to keep the entertainment high. Firstly there’s the frustratingly relatable aspect of customer service showcased through humorous phone calls featuring stubborn, rude and clueless customers relaying their complaints. Then, there are the absurd interludes between scenes that feature Georgy Pleece, Alexander McGonagle and Phoebe Mercer embarking on a variety of dance routines to popular songs, all three fully committing to the bit and energetically dancing along to each tune. The horror element of the mysterious caller adds an engaging level of suspense, without ever taking it too far – because it doesn’t really need it. The workplace environment Leonard is in is horror enough, so the mystery caller adds intriguing tension within the existing narrative, without overdoing it for the sake of an elaborate side plot.
Huskisson’s direction ensures that the space is utilised perfectly, within Emily Louise M. Somerville’s set of stacked boxes and order notes strewn all over the stage. The pacing is great, there’s never a moment of boredom, and Pleece’s script is very, very funny. The cast have fantastic comedic timing, and seem to really have fun together on set, as well as conveying the narrative well. Mercer as the dodgy Jerry from HR and Pleece as the boss are great together, perfectly showcasing the blokey, mansplaining style office interactions from cringey sales rep style personalities. Mercer also does great as Kelly, the sweet, innocent employee that the boss always creeps on. Finally McGonagle’s Leonard is a true gem – ensuring his character’s awkward, outsider personality is likeable and believable, while delivering some fantastically funny scenes.
This customer service fever dream/nightmare makes for a great addition to the Grimfest lineup this year and hopefully has a future beyond the Halloween inspired theatre festival!
Runs until 21st October 2026
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