Photo Credit:Jonny Ruff
Frankie Thompson: Horrible Things
Soho Theatre’s Main House | 09-21 November 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Indigo Cleverley
“Unhinged fever dream in the most dazzling way; witty, hysterical and elusive.”
‘A Work in Regress’, Frankie Thompson’s ‘Horrible Things’ announces itself to the Soho Theatre with commanding charisma, in sixty minutes we are forced to confront our ‘horrible things’ as Thompson reflects on hers through a unique clowning-performance art style with elements of farcical lip-syncing and tormenting audience members.
There are multiple elements that make this show the hit that it is - the most prominent is its pacing. Aided by a brilliant (and nostalgic) playlist and sound design, we are propelled into the performance and the opening energy and adrenaline doesn’t falter once, a testament to Thompson’s commitment, passion and unyielding ability to compel the audience and keep them on their toes. Despite claiming ‘I’m much more scared of you than you are of me’, Thompson doesn’t let it show and is wondrously endearing, charming and magnetic.
Featuring a song about paint sample names, an interview with a young Jacob Rees-Mogg and an orchestral recollection of Frank Sinatra’s 1980 album ‘Trilogy’ with a never-ending amount of fedoras, whatever you expect to happen, you should triple and ensure you remove any pre-existing ideas on logic. Audiences are warned that there will be required participation, invoking a sense of anticipation, or perhaps apprehension in the members of front row, which pays off and is utilised brilliantly.
Thompson’s ability to create an atmosphere of connection and community is admirable, through moving around the auditorium, using a projection with information, lyrics and playful remarks, the audience become a part of the performance’s success. With a particularly wholesome final scene, we are left with a buzz as we leave the theatre - after the final bows, the lady sitting next to me turned to me and said ‘You just feel in such a great mood now’, and I think that sums it up in the simplest of ways.
‘Horrible Things’ is somewhat of an unhinged fever dream in the most dazzling way; witty, hysterical and elusive, an illustration of tactical immersion. Punchy, poignant and sharp, Horrible Things is not one you’d want to miss; the perfect remedy for combatting the winter blues.
Creatives
Creator and Performer - Frankie Thompson
Director - Evie Fehilly
Dramaturg - Kate Middleton
Additional Material - Dan Lees, Jon Brittain, The Museum of Portable Sound
Show Parent - Jen Smethurst