Fringe review: LET THE BODIES PILE, Gilded Balloon/Henry Naylor - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Photo credit: Rosalind Furlong

In 1993, Steve's mother dies suddenly. Her GP, Harold Shipman, diagnoses natural causes. Then in 2020, dozens suddenly die in a Yorkshire care home. Is Covid responsible? What could possibly connect these two apparently unrelated killings 27 years apart?

Critically acclaimed Fringe favourite Henry Naylor brings us Let The Bodies Pile. Directed by Darren Lee Cole, this is an intriguing story. Whilst we may have an inkling about how the Shipman story pans out, we have no idea what could be happening in the care home.

Emily Carding stars, who is firmly rooted as both Steve's sister and the care home worker; determined, focused and bound by her desire to discover the truth. It's a strong performance, in two very different portrayals that play out in this production.

The writing moves the story along at a nice pace, keeping the audience engaged and guessing. There is an element of dark humour that is quite unexpected, but works really well within the context. This is one for those that enjoy real life crime or just a good old fashioned drama.

Compelling and dramatic.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Let The Bodies Pile plays in the Dining Room at Gilded Balloon Teviot at 4pm until 28 August.