The Curse Of Elizabeth Faulkner

Edinburgh hit makes its way to London

This uproarious gothic horror-farce enjoyed a sold-out run at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, and is as such every bit as side-splittingly funny, slick and entertaining as such an achievement might suggest. The unique combination of bloodcurdling horror with outrageous slapstick comedy makes for an exhilarating ride: the cast of four, featuring the electric Josh Hamberfield in the lead role, keep the audience constantly on the brink of laughter and thrills with lightning-quick exchanges of witty dialogue.

The ingenious script by Tim Downie and inspired direction from Anthony Coleridge turns the minimal set into a point of comedic inspiration: the two solitary boxes which sit on stage serve as the backdrop to scenes set around the world: at times as the spooky back streets of Edwardian London, and at others as the misty mountains of Peru.

What is The Curse of Elizabeth Faulkner about?

A story left untold until now is revealed to the public with permission from the Faulkner and Thorndike estates; it is the tale of an unfortunate hero named James Faulkner, who together with his bumbling undertaker sidekick must find and exhume the corpse of Faulkner's grandmother. He intends to rid himself of a curse which has plagued his family for centuries, killing his ancestors at the age of 33.

Unfortunately for James however, his 33rd birthday is looming near, so time is of the essence. This nail-biting adventure takes our hero across the globe and into the paths of some alluring but unsavoury characters, such as the mysterious and enchanting Miss Francis and an unnamed wandering Peruvian.