The Grim is one of those plays that feels like a welcome throwback fast-talking, witty, and proudly chaotic, the sort of old-style theatre you don’t often see anymore.
Set in London in 1964, it follows Shaun (Edmund Morris) and Robert, two undertakers trying to get through another uneventful morning in the East End. That calm day disappears the moment they’re asked to prepare the body of deceased murderer Jack Gallagher (Harry Carter). But when the dead don’t stay dead and odd happenings begin piling up, things spiral into a wonderfully absurd mess.
The show relies heavily on its comedy, and that’s where it truly shines. The script is packed with sharp jokes, quick exchanges, and a rhythm that feels straight out of the classic film His Girl Friday. The characters talk at breakneck speed, and half the fun is simply trying to keep up with them.
Then there’s Robert (Louis Davison) who absolutely steals the show. His performance is brilliant from start to finish, and his Irish accent is nothing short of amazing. Every line lands perfectly, his timing is impeccable, and he brings so much energy that the production would feel completely different without him. One of the funniest moments is his wonderfully understated reaction to a freshly resurrected serial killer: a simple, baffled “What’s going on?” that had the room laughing.
There are plenty of other standout jokes too, like the football references the despair of losing to Burnley, the idea of searching for the meaning of life while still wanting to check the scores. Even the casual absurdity of a line like “I’m running a bed and breakfast for ghosts” fits the show’s quirky charm.
Where the play slips a little is in the storytelling. The first half is strong, but things begin to feel rushed, with character development and plot points flying by so quickly that some never get the explanation they need. We’re never fully told why Jack comes back to life or how he becomes “the Grim,” which makes the final line “I am the Grim” feel like it should be more powerful than it is. The concept is fantastic; it just needed more time to breathe.
Still, the originality and humour carry the production through. It’s bold, different, and full of ideas. With a little more exposition and a slightly slower pace, it could be something truly brilliant. As it stands, it’s a funny, chaotic, and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre.