one4review | On 28, Aug 2026

Set on the Isle of Wight against the backdrop of the 2009 financial downturn, Doug Deans’s Horrorshow is a funny, energetic and ultimately touching coming-of-age tale about friendship and the terrifying prospect of being left behind.

Ollie (Joe Matty) is an intelligent young man preparing for the next stage of his life at college. His best friend Dan (Deans) has struggled at school, comes from a chaotic home and is regarded by Ollie’s parents as an entirely unsuitable companion. The two play in a band together, but their carefree existence is about to end. Ollie’s father has been transferred to the mainland and, for Dan, the prospect of losing his best friend is devastating.

Fortunately, Dan has a cunning plan. If he can persuade Ollie to help him blag their way into the Isle of Wight Festival and sell a copious amount of weed, he might just raise enough money to escape the island too. What could possibly go wrong?

The action is punctuated by original songs, performed with infectious enthusiasm and genuine emotion, which give the production much of its exuberant energy. Director Joe Strickland, who also plays drums, pops up in a variety of supporting roles, adding considerably to the fun.

From the moment the audience arrives, the cast greet us with such warmth and bonhomie that we are immediately on their side. Yet beneath the laughs lies something much more poignant: a portrait of two young men whose lives are beginning to take very different paths. Horrorshow packs both great fun and considerable emotional heft into a hugely enjoyable hour.
**** 1/2
Reviewed by Rona
19.15 to 20.15
Anatomy lecture Theatre at Summerhall
Until 31st August