Venue 26 Sugar Swing Ballroom
5 stars
The Bone House, written by Marty Chan, is an electrifying and immersive piece of theatre that pulls audiences into the world of Eugene Crowley, a lecturer obsessed with serial killers and the psychology of violence. Set within the confines of a lecture hall, Crowley — played with chilling precision by Jack Walker — guides the audience through his lecture with the help of his assistant, Jacob. What begins as a seemingly academic presentation soon unravels into something far darker, as Crowley reveals his own vulnerabilities and secrets, slowly peeling back layers of his disturbing persona.
The immersive format of the play enhances the tension, with the audience not just observing, but participating in Crowley’s lecture. As the boundaries between performer and spectator blur, the suspense builds, leaving everyone on edge, wondering what will be revealed next. Crowley’s obsession with serial killers becomes the perfect vehicle for exploring themes of voyeurism, violence, and the dark fascination we have with spectacle. It’s a commentary on our addiction to the macabre, and the uncomfortable way we can’t look away.
As the tension reaches its boiling point, The Bone House takes a sharp turn, revealing that Crowley’s own life is tied to the very subjects he lectures on. The play builds to an unnerving climax, making it impossible to look away.
Chan’s writing is taut and compelling, drawing the audience deep into the psychological labyrinth of Crowley’s mind. With stellar performances and expert direction, The Bone House is a haunting exploration of our darkest impulses and the price of spectacle.
