Review: A Brief Case of Crazy

Thursday 16th July 2026 at York Theatre Royal

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Skedaddle Theatre is aptly named if this show’s anything to go by; a whimsical, energetic and wholesome hour of entertainment which sees a cast of three deliver a tale of love and rivalry full of humour and warmth. Working with Shoddy Theatre and York Theatre Royal, the company brings to the studio the kind of show that is woefully underrepresented at the moment – hopefully the success of this show will lay foundations for more to follow in local venues…

Rowan Armitt-Brewster seems to be the source of greatness here, as writer, director, sound designer and lead – Thomas. Giving a performance full of endearing awkwardness and impressive agility, Armitt-Brewster’s lovable character is in love with adorable co-worker Daisy (a thoroughly entertaining Lennie Longworth, who is an absolute equal to Armitt-Brewster in awkward charm and agility) but rivalled by the greasy growler that is smarmy Simon (a comically cringe-worthy Sam Cunningham – also an impressive physical performer). There’s both nostalgia and timelessness at work and the blend of classic physical gags, impressive dance sequences and expressive performance is a winning one.

The trio lean into the absurd while also telling a heart-warming tale with warmth and playfulness. There are times when echoes of Amelie or Romantics Anonymous are felt in the style and tone of the piece, and that’s very much in its favour. There’s no dialogue to lean on, just precise physicality, expressive faces and apt music choices to tell a tale in a wordless world.

Kirstie Scarlett-Bruff’s set design is striking, providing bold, colourful and cartoonish backdrops of a cityscape, adding to the sense of a pure, animated world in which the characters are suspended. Scarlett-Bruff’s puppet design is also a show highlight, with a sympathetic young Thomas given all the layers of pathos and sweetness required – and the trio do an excellent job of bringing him to life. 

A Brief Case of Crazy is a lovely, vibrant, heart-warming show and the company boasts one of the most accurate show descriptions I’ve seen, capturing their own goals so precisely and proving true to their bold claims of aiming to “create theatre that is both entertaining and deeply human…embracing the ridiculous alongside the heartfelt…imaginative, playful and emotionally honest.” I couldn’t have put it better myself (though I’ve clearly tried here)… definitely one to catch! 

A Brief Case of Crazy is on tour until October 2026 – more information and tickets can be found here.