Edmund Morris first hit my radar a few years ago with his macabre comedy You’re Dead Mate about a man who had died and was in-between worlds. He just needed to accept his death and fill in the paperwork before moving on to the afterlife!
The Grim follows Morris’s dark and macabre writing style and has been set in a London undertaker business. Where Morris plays Shaun the boss of the family-run shop in the 1960’s, his very strong London accent (definitely not his voice) places the shop firmly in the East End of London.
Louis Davison plays his assistant Robert, a superstitious anxious Irish man. Whose obsession with folklore is somewhat disturbing and has an unsettling affect. Strange things begin to happen when he is left alone in the shop while his boss pops out for sweets!
However, the new body that arrives in the morgue is Jack (Harry Carter). Who they believe to be a deceased serial killer, Jack certainly keeps the two men busy and on their toes. Any chance of an early finish can be forgotten. That’s all the explanation I am willing to divulge about Carter. Spoilers would be unforgivable.
The cast of three are phenomenal trio and The Grim certainly has the audience on the edge of their seats as well as enjoying the light-hearted gallows humour and conversations throughout the play instigated by Morris. The person who initially dismisses everything Harry is saying and who depends on him to help him through.
Upon leaving the Theatre the lady in front of me jumped and looked over her shoulder at the stage as we left. I inwardly chuckled so as not to embarrass her.
For more information about The Grim please visit the link below. I am sure this play will be making its way on tour. It would be a real pity if it doesn’t.
Five Stars.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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