Review: CURSE OF THE CRACKLES, Shoreditch Town Hall

Shoreditch Town Hall presents to us an interactive and adventurous audio caper for children, which uses innovative sound technology to assist in delivering Curse of the Crackles.

For the performance, all you need is a device that allows for headphones and the internet. Headphones are a must for this performance as it fully immerses you and helps to make the experience more realistic. 

Curse of the Crackles has been written/co-created by Bea Roberts; directed/co-created by Ed Stambollouian; created, sound designed and composed by Ben & Max Ringham; with associate sound design and composition by Nicola Chang. Vocal performances are provided by Norah Lopez Holden and Sam Swann.

On our sound adventure, we meet Riff who is the most excellentist puppy, but she needs our help as the Crackles have been naughty and muddled up all the sounds in the world. Ariana Grande sings in duck quacks, Andy Murray hits a ball that makes a cat noise and most importantly, Riff’s toy doesn’t squeak. 

Riff takes us on a journey through sound to collect the lost sounds in jars and get them back to where they rightfully belong. We experience some catchy pirate singers, The Queen eating Monster Munch and escaping from prison. 

The voice of Riff is emotive and enthusiastic, which is very engaging and she carries the story through her performance. The sound and technology used are exceptional, with effects such as nails down a chalk board being as uncomfortable as they are in real life. 

The performance is aimed at 7-11 years olds but can definitely be enjoyed by older audiences. There is plenty of humour and audiences are encouraged to keep their eyes shut to really engage the imagination in a clear, safe space so you can join in with moving around, although this isn’t essential.

As a piece of theatre, it is wonderful and refreshing to have such a different take on telling a story and making it enjoyable for audiences. 

****’ Four and a half stars

Reviewed by: Emma Littler

Curse of the Crackles is currently booking until 11 April here.