The Séance Starter Kit, The Speakeasy Review
I went along to the opening night at The Speakeasy on Monday to check it out. I took a seat and joined the ‘studio audience’ as the producer paced about, fussing with microphones and tech, as everyone filed in. The main lights were lowered, with the show relying on candles on the tables, as well as light from the stage to create a suitably creepy atmosphere. It was an excellent turnout for their first night, and there was a real buzz as most people, like me, were unsure what to expect.
Joshua Gardiner was perfectly cast to play the presenter of the TV show, ‘While Stocks Last’, which is essentially a shopping channel selling weird and wonderful objects. We gather that the ratings from the show have been dropping and it is in danger of being cancelled, which is why they decide to do something drastic; turn to the supernatural for help.
Gareth protests to begin with, saying that it is unethical to exploit people who genuinely believe in clairvoyance and the afterlife. However, as the clairvoyant herself points out, they are only selling a starter kit; it’s just another object to offer their viewers, nothing more.
Of course, it’s a whole lot more, which keeps you on your toes and audibly gasping at little surprises throughout the show. Top tip – keep an eye on the background of the set and don’t get too comfortable. This show does not follow a predictable formula - even I was taken aback by the ending.
There is some audience participation, with a special guest chosen from the audience to go up on stage and do a ‘bit’ for the viewers at home. There is a creative use of Claymation at points during the story, which at first I was doubtful would work, but it actually adds to the creepy, surreal parts of the narrative.
I will admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Séance Starter Kit, but it has potential to become a Fringe favourite this year. It is great entertainment from start to finish!
★★★★
Written by Sharon for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
