one4review | On 20, Aug 2025

The spooky creation of mime and slapstick performer David Hoskin, A Haunted House is a show packed full of ghoulish good times.

A one man show in the traditional Fringe mould for one man shows– which is to say, a lot of physical theatre performed in a basement by someone getting increasingly hot under studio lights while performing in a suit jacket, A Haunted House brings something special to the formula with its macabre and gothic tone.

After suffering (what must surely have been) a coincidental engine failure just outside, the audience are invited inside the titular mansion by its sinister owner and caretaker they are given a tour of the house. Making heavy use of mime, Hoskin blurs between scenes and characters, becoming a bat, a zombie, a bird with some truly marvellous set pieces. Despite the menacing setting and content, the show never truly moves from the comedic to the horrific, despite some rather grizzly mimes. Hoskin is clearly a talented performer and there are more laughs than screams even as the tone gradually darkens throughout the show.

The only snag in the show is that, as the show leans into being surreal and disconnected at points, it’s unfortunately not always easy to decipher exactly what motions and actions it is that Hoskin is miming and this did occasionally lead to the show being more confusing than scary. However, these moments did always pass, but I think there could be something to say for a slightly clearer indication for the audience as to when locations and characters change – and what they are changing into.

The show is clearly a work of love and even the parts where it’s less comprehensible don’t hold it back much, just adding to the dreamlike atmosphere, a bit like drifting off in front of a French expressionist film only to wake up in front of a German expressionist film. Only funnier than that sounds. Hilarious and haunting.

****
Reviewed by Tom M
Snug Bar at Assembly Roxy
19:10
Until 24th