Brendan Scannell: The Abyss

Phenomenal. The script is so smart and sharp. His performance is both devastating and singularity hilarious. Everybody needs to see this ... full review

Genuinely one of the best pieces of live performance art I have had the privilege to see. Phenomenal. True artistry. Hilarious.... full review

I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Brendan for over a decade, and this show is such an incredible distillation of Brendan's journey as a comedian, son, and brother. His show is at once laugh out loud hilarious and a gut punch emotionally— not an easy needle to thread but Brendan does it effortlessly in this show. If you want to get in on the ground floor of a project that feels like it's about to launch someone into the stratosphere, catch this show any time you can. ... full review

Brendan is clearly at the top of his game, blending all facets of his craft in a marvelous hour of heartbreak and hilarity. The delivery of his sharp jokes is uniquely him, and it was a privilege to get a peek into his inner world that you typically can't dip into during a comedy show. Somehow the deeper we got into "the abyss," the more we still felt buoyed by the care of his script. ... full review

Gorgeous and hysterical. Scannell is firing on all cylinders in this hilarious and moving piece about familial bonds, fame and the unknown. This show is an absolute fucking treat— a perfect vehicle to showcase Brendan's craft. ... full review

Absolutely brilliant. One of the most stunning hours I can remember seeing, at Fringe or otherwise. The Abyss is bound for glory. Brendan is a beautiful and extraordinary performer and writer.... full review

Brendan is a sharp and cutting storyteller. He consistently delivers punchy wit while simultaneously describing hyper-real and heartfelt snippets of his life. This was the funniest and most moving show I’ve seen at the Fringe. ... full review

This was a heartbreakingly funny show from the unhinged Brendan Scannell. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was in it from the beginning. Brendan uses his perfect comedic timing to tell a deeply personal and vulnerable narrative. I don’t know the last time I was so caught between sobs and laughs. ... full review

A vivid, emotional, FUNNY, and intimate show about grief, disappointment, and the heartbreaks of family. Well worth anyone's time -- it's fifty minutes of laughs and true vulnerability by a great performer in Brendan. You'll leave the theater moved! And loaded with a bevy of hilarious jokes. And shoutout to the direction by Emily Olcott! ... full review

Beautiful in every way! All at once laugh out loud hilarious, confronting & honest, Brendan’s performance is gutting in the best possible way. His layers as an actor and comedian are perfectly showcased in this brilliantly crafted and well written vulnerable piece. Incredibly entertaining from lights up to blackout!... full review