Crybabies Bring Horror-Comedy 'The Scaring' to Edinburgh Fringe

Award-winning sketch group teams up with Olivier-winning producers for new supernatural show.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:37pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of various horror and comedy elements against a high-contrast red and white background, conceptually representing the tone and themes of the new Crybabies show 'The Scaring'.Crybabies' new horror-comedy production 'The Scaring' promises to blend the group's signature absurdist humor with ambitious theatrical storytelling and classic genre tropes.NYC Today

The acclaimed sketch comedy trio Crybabies will return to the Edinburgh Fringe in August with their new horror-comedy production 'The Scaring', directed by Jon Brittain. The show, produced by Olivier Award-winning Fleabag producers Francesca Moody Productions, will blend the group's signature surreal humor with ambitious theatrical storytelling and classic horror tropes.

Why it matters

Crybabies have become one of the most popular and acclaimed sketch acts at the Edinburgh Fringe in recent years, earning a loyal following with their unique brand of absurdist comedy. Their move to a bigger, more theatrical production with an established production company signals an exciting new chapter for the group as they continue to push the boundaries of what sketch comedy can achieve on the stage.

The details

In 'The Scaring', former priest Arthur Holland checks into a remote hotel only to find himself forced into an unlikely partnership with the ghost of a long-dead guest. Together, they must confront both supernatural and personal demons under the watchful eye of the hotel's eccentric manager. The show will feature Crybabies' signature rapid-fire character changes, ambitious theatrical effects, and a plot that 'twists itself into ever stranger territory'.

  • The Scaring will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2026.
  • Crybabies' previous Fringe shows, Danger Brigade (2019) and Bagbeard (2022), both sold out and earned the trio a loyal fanbase.

The players

Crybabies

A sketch comedy trio who have become one of the most popular and acclaimed acts at the Edinburgh Fringe in recent years, known for their unique brand of absurdist humor and theatrical storytelling.

Francesca Moody Productions

An Olivier Award-winning production company behind acclaimed shows like Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, and Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder!. They are co-producing The Scaring with Crybabies.

Jon Brittain

The director of The Scaring, known for his work on shows like Baby Reindeer and Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!.

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What they’re saying

“Three guys in their thirties doing narrative sketch comedy? Now that's terrifying. We're thrilled to be back at the Fringe combining our three great loves - horror, comedy and globally revered arts festivals - and the fact we're getting to do it with FMP is as crazy as it is insane.”

— Crybabies

“When I first saw Crybabies I knew immediately that their work demanded a bigger stage. The Scaring is a real step up - properly ambitious, genuinely theatrical - and this Edinburgh season is just the start. I'm thrilled to be creatively in their orbit and part of growing their work. Their charm and originality is completely intact, but this is a whole new scale of work.”

— Francesca Moody

What’s next

The Scaring will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2026 at Pleasance Two, located on the site of an old graveyard.

The takeaway

Crybabies' move to a bigger, more theatrical production with an established production company like Francesca Moody Productions signals an exciting new chapter for the acclaimed sketch group as they continue to push the boundaries of what sketch comedy can achieve on the stage.