Writer, horror influencer, (@theprincessliv) and self-professed “Scream Queen” Olivia Cordell marks her solo stage debut in Bog Body. For one night only at The Glitch (although further London dates are planned). 

The play focuses on Dr. Alyssa Kim, a forensic anthropologist giving a lecture on a set of ancient human remains discovered in an Irish peat bog. The show draws from the real-world phenomenon of bog bodies found across northern Europe, naturally preserved and dating back thousands of years.

Cordell plays Dr Kim as a nervous, newbie lecturer, stepping in unexpectedly due to her mentor’s absence. As her presentation unfolds, she draws parallels with modern day misogyny, femicide and her own buried trauma. Asking the audience about previous accidents and scars she uses these to explain forensic dating. As she says, “The body carries on healing – until it doesn’t”. Things get creepy as we find the reasons behind the nonappearance her Anthropologist boyfriend and of several professional females associated with the body. The word ‘curse’ is never far from her lips.

We get flickering lights, creepy sounds, static interference of the presentation screen and talk of horrific past events; bog bodies often show signs of having been murdered. All the while the body remains on the stage covered by a white sheet, serving as a constant presence.

Adding a chilling twist, the production incorporates a fully functional animatronic mummy, designed by former Amazon and IBM inventor Sean Tracy.

This immersive one-woman horror experience is chilling and thought-provoking, it’s a story of trauma, survival, and the lasting impact of the past. Cordell’s skilful writing and engaging delivery demonstrate considerable potential.

4 stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Bog Body has finished at The Glitch but can be seen at The Etcetera Theatre as part of the Camden Horror Festival October 31st -2nd November 2025

For tickets and further information please see link below

https://www.etceteratheatrecamden.com/events/bog-body

Creatives

Writer and performed – Olivia Cordell

Development director and producer – Audrey O’Farrell;

Director Emily Hawkins;

Horror artist Libby Morris

Animatronic Mummy – Sean Tracy

Sound designer – James Christensen

Lighting designer Ben Wendel.