Brendan Scannell: The Abyss

I was floored by this show. Brendan takes an impossibly heavy topic and makes it accessible and funny. ... full review

Brendan manages to be hysterical, vulnerable, and heartbreaking all at once. His storytelling is brilliantly funny and incisive, capturing the absurdity, pain, and profound relatability of our traumas with scary honesty. The Abyss stays with you long after it's over. There's something truly special—and unexpectedly comforting—about taking that journey with Brendan Scannell. A genuine talent.... full review

Funny, raw, well-structured, with a real payoff. ... full review

I really loved this show! I thought Brendan did a really impressive job navigating us into raw subject matter with great pacing, balance, and a very playful framing device. The show blends tragedy and true silliness in a way that makes clear just how much work went into it. I’m so glad I saw it, and I’ll be thinking of it for a good while. Do not miss this.... full review

I saw The Abyss almost a week ago and have not stopped thinking about it since. I have a feeling I will be thinking about it for years to come. Brendan is such a unique performer in that his comedy and his humanity live in the same place and in this show, that place is right on his sleeve for us all to see. The show was equal parts beautiful, hilarious and heartbreaking, thanks to Brendan's skill as a writer, stand-up and actor as well as Emily's thoughtful, emotional direction. The feeling I was left with post-show was honestly kind of addictive- that cathartic post-cry feeling where you feel almost at peace with your discomfort. The Abyss made me look at Los Angeles differently, my friends differently and humanity as a whole differently. I... full review

Brendan’s piercing blue eyes are a window into his…submersible. Go deep with Brendan, allow yourself to laugh loudly, and cry freely. Brendan builds up to a very vulnerable and emotional climax, only to release the tension right when you need to be saved. Over and over again. It’s a stand up set with a three act structure and character development, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Go see this show with your friends, and chase it down with a dirty martini, good conversation and a hug. ... full review

Brendan Scannell's The Abyss is absolutely not to be missed. It's a masterclass in stand-up and storytelling, one of the rare comedy shows that manages to be riotously funny while also leaving a genuine emotional imprint. Brendan's comedy is sharp, surprising, and deeply original. What stayed with me long after the laughter faded was the emotional honesty beneath it all, an invitation into someone's inner world that is messy, funny, painful, absurd, and deeply relatable. I've seen many comedy shows that made me laugh. Far fewer have lingered in my mind days later. The Abyss is one of them. Brendan Scannell has created something that is not only hilarious, but genuinely affecting, and it has stayed with me ever since I saw it.... full review

A beautiful weaving of humor, honesty, and vulnerability that captures the complexity of being human. An honor to witness and a must-see. ... full review

This is an absolute masterpiece. I was brought completely into Brendan’s world and mind and genius. I laughed my ass off and cried my eyes out. Brendan has an incredible ability to bring light to darkness. I was incredibly moved, and i know The Abyss will be a show that stays with me for a long time.... full review

I was completely drawn in from start to finish. The intimate setting makes the experience feel incredibly personal, and the show strikes a wonderful balance between humor, heart, and genuine emotional depth. Thought-provoking, moving, and unlike anything else I’ve seen at the Fringe. Highly recommend this uniquely beautiful show from Brendan Scannell!... full review