Games of Crones
Connaught Theatre Worthing
Abigail Dooley and Emma Joy Edwards of A&E Comedy are back! This time with another fierce, fiery and, in many ways, feral comedy that sets out to “kick aging right up its arse.”
From the moment the theme tune of the popular HBO-produced Medieval fantasy TV series (which shall remain nameless…) kicks in, it is clear that Game of Crones sits firmly in the realm of pastiche and parody. From the get-go the production is absurd and delightfully silly. What follows is a series of sketch-like scenes that plot the course of the Protagonist’s journey through life’s latter years – an epic, mythic-like odyssey through the known unknown. Along the way we meet seers, sirens and snake oil salesmen intent on perverting, ridiculing or commercialising the natural process of aging.
Through a mix of daft yet deft storytelling and clowning, Dooley and Edwards guide the audience through two acts of hilarious and heartfelt comedy. The show, despite its farcical telling, is underpinned by a serious subject matter – society’s treatment of older women. By poking fun at things like forgetfulness, hot flushes and joint ache it normalises these all too untalked about experiences and keeps the conversation going. There’s comfort in company and shared experience.
For a two-hander it is incredibly bold in scale! The costumes are grand and glam, the action is peppered with musical interludes and dance numbers all interwoven with pre-recorded video and tech elements. The sketches are witty and wild, scratching at the surface of society’s problematic views on and subsequent treatment of women beyond a certain age. But they do only scratch at the surface and ultimately leave the audience wanting more. Once they have pulled back the veneer we want to plunge in and dissect the pitfalls and toxic behaviours of a society that tries to strip entire demographics of its voice. Yet Game of Crones seems content to acknowledge the great evil, toss a few jokes in its direction and carry on as were. It champions choice yet never asks who or what informs these choices. Its underlying messages of “F**k It” and “Choose Joy” ring somewhat hollow in a modern context, undoubtedly empowering some whilst imperilling others.
Yet, whilst the show may not offer solutions to the problem it definitely offers companionship through it and a very enjoyable evening of entertainment. Whilst it isn’t perfect – not all the jokes land and its heavy use of video and projection stalls any sense of flow or momentum – Game of Crones is a very fun night out. From the gorgeous costumes to the spectacular set-pieces, what it lacks in substance it makes up for in heart. A&E Comedy live up to their name with another production that will have you in stitches.
Reviewer: Ethan Taylor
UK TOUR DATES 2026 – GAME OF CRONES
27 Feb Dorchester, Arts Centre
5 Mar Worthing, Connaught
6 Mar Twickenham, The Exchange
7 Mar Coventry, The Albany
12 Mar Stroud, Sub Rooms
13 Mar London, Jacksons Lane
21 Mar Bath, The Rondo
25 Mar Exeter, Phoenix
26 Mar Stratford-upon-Avon, Rother Street Arts House
1 Apr Colchester, Headgate Theatre
2 Apr Doncaster, CAST
4 Apr Edinburgh, Traverse
5 Apr Edinburgh, Traverse
9 Apr Epsom, The Horton
10 Apr Croydon, Stanley Arts