A Haunted House by David Hoskin at Assembly Roxy Review
Written by Liam Arnold for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
David Hoskin’s A Haunted House is a labour of love—and it shows. A decade in the making, this solo show is a whirlwind of physical comedy, mime, and horror homage, delivered with manic energy and genuine affection for the genre. Hoskins throws himself into every moment, whether he’s transforming into a werewolf à la Thriller or rocking out to At the Hop with ghoulish glee. It’s clear this is a passion project, and that enthusiasm is infectious, even when the scares don’t always land.
The show thrives on audience interaction, turning volunteers into reluctant co-stars. Hoskins has a knack for blending scripted bits with improvisation, making each performance feel unique. His physicality is impressive—contortions, exaggerated gestures, and even a bizarrely memorable striptease to You Can Leave Your Hat On (yes, really). There’s something delightfully unhinged about his commitment, whether he’s miming grotesque transformations or shuffling across the stage like a restless spirit.
The show leans more toward playful spookiness than genuine terror, which might disappoint hardcore horror fans but works well for those who enjoy their frights with a side of absurdity.
Still, Hoskins’ charm and commitment carry the show. His crow-like movements and unnerving grin linger in the memory long after the lights come up. There’s a poignant undercurrent to his performance, too—a sense of loneliness beneath the grotesque antics, as if the monsters he embodies are just as lost as the audience members he drags into his world. The werewolf sequence, in particular, is a standout, blending humour and pathos in a way that feels unexpectedly touching.
The show’s structure is loose, almost dreamlike, which works both for and against it. On one hand, it allows for delightful spontaneity—no two performances will be exactly alike, thanks to Hoskins’ improvisational flair. On the other hand, it can feel disjointed, with some bits overstaying their welcome while others end too soon. The framing of earlier drafts might have added some narrative cohesion, but what’s here is undeniably fun, even if it doesn’t always cohere into a satisfying whole.
A Haunted House is inventive, funny, and refreshingly weird. Hoskins is a performer to watch. For fans of physical theatre, offbeat comedy, or horror with a wink, this is a fringe gem worth catching. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but when it does, it’s electric.
️️️️ A Haunted House plays at Assembly Roxy until 24th August
★ ★ ★ ★
