Isobel Jacob
I hadn’t appropriately prepared myself for Kirsty Mann: Corpse. Billed as “a real-life ghost story from award-winning comedian”, I had focused too much on the “comedian” part and, purposely avoiding reading too much before I attended, I wrongly assumed that this was essentially a humorous and light-hearted extended bit about ghosts and haunted houses. What I had not prepared myself for was an hour of genuine anticipation, adrenaline and scream-inducing fear using perfectly timed suspense, deafening jump-scares and harrowing lighting (or lack thereof) to create a truly thrilling theatrical experience. Probably should have read the content warnings.
Kirsty Mann enters a hazy stage cluttered with cardboard boxes, an ironing board, books, old paintings, an arm chair and lamp and a sheet-less bed. She is quick to tell us that, just one year ago, she “definitely did not believe in ghosts… but I do now”. Pulling us in with witty anecdotes about her torturously pragmatic husband and their previously claustrophobic one-bed, her charismatic and dry delivery, even teetering on sardonic, lulls the audience into a false sense of security. We are warned – as we hear about their struggle to find a house to buy on a tight budget, she certainly doesn’t sugar-coat the damp or dodgy plumbing or unnerving paintings – but somehow we are too taken by Mann’s expertly captivating storytelling to worry too much. Until we’re not.
Combining hilarious accents, droll anecdotes and self-deprecating wisecracks with meticulous timing and precise staging and prop-work, Corpse takes us on a chilling journey through the true story of Mann’s attempt to work out if her house is haunted… and if it is, what to do about it? Kirsty Mann is compelling and brilliant in this comedy-horror show. Try and snag a ticket if you dare.
Recommended Drink: A shot of whiskey to steel yourself before this stand-up style ghost story that is certain to get your heart racing.
Kirsty Mann: Corpse is on at Summerhall until 30 August at 15:15 (1 hour). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Esme Davis
Hannah Hamilton
