A thrilling showcase of theatrical talent — both haunting and heartwarming Summary
Rating
Good
Stepping into Skeleton Sam’s Variety Vault feels like cracking open a dusty, mysterious trunk of treasures — you’re never quite sure what you’ll find next, but you know it’s going to be curious, clever, and just a little bit spooky.
Hosted by the delightfully macabre Skeleton Sam, a ghoulish guide with a flair for the dramatic and a twinkle in his hollow eye, this variety show offers far more than tricks and treats. Produced by the vibrant, neurodivergent-led Temporal Horizons Productions, the evening is a theatrical celebration of new voices and diverse perspectives. With performances spanning comedy, drama, spoken word, music, and with moments of genuine emotional resonance, it’s a thrillingly unpredictable experience.
What makes the show truly special is its ethos. Drawing from artists across the UK, including working-class and international voices, Skeleton Sam’s Vault is as much a platform as it is a performance. Each act feels carefully selected to spotlight authentic, underrepresented talent, all tied together with Sam’s wicked wit and eerie charm.
Opening the night with Skidaddle Theatre Company is a stroke of genius. Their tightly choreographed physical theatre piece sets the tone for the evening — offbeat, electric, and brimming with theatrical flair. Each act that follows offers a distinct and compelling perspective on life, identity, and the world around us.
Highlights include a group healing session led by a deity named Bob, an inventive and soulful piece by Poet the Jules, as well as 3 is a Crowd, a hilarious Spanish ensemble whose witty reflections on international performance make for a refreshing and insightful take on European identity. Olivia Woodhouse delivers a standout performance in a piece she also penned herself; evocative, grounded, and marking her as an emerging talent to watch.
Comedic duo Crusty and Yoyo Chan bring sharp timing and thoughtful craft to their work, delivering funny yet poignant reflections on issues like phobias and the fetishisation of culture. Each act complements the next, forming a cohesive whole despite the eclectic mix of styles and themes. And audience members are invited to witness, laugh, reflect, and suspend disbelief throughout this rollercoaster of a show.
There’s a sincerity beneath the production’s playful gothic aesthetic; a genuine desire to give voice to stories that might otherwise go unheard. And in that, it succeeds brilliantly. Whether you’re there for the laughs, the chills, or the joy of discovering bold new talent, this is a vault worth unlocking.
Produced and Directed by: Harry Fitzpatrick for Temporal Horizons Productions
Skeleton Sam’s Variety Vault has completed its current run.
