Brendan Scannell: The Abyss

Hilarious, moving and beautiful show.... full review

A tearjerker with the joke-per-minute ratio of a 30 Rock episode? They said it couldn’t be done but here’s Brendan Scannell doing it. Equal parts funny and heartbreaking, scathing and sweet, vulnerable and virtuosic. Not to be missed! Run don’t walk! ... full review

An incredibly sweet and deep deep dive into Brendan’s psyche. A place that if you’re gonna go, I hope you bring a life preserver.... full review

The show was extremely funny, heartfelt, vulnerable, and honest. I’d recommend it to anyone ... full review

Extremely captivating, THE ABYSS didn't shy away from emotion while delivering entertainment and comedy. Brendan explored complicated family and personal dynamics through his signature humor and a delightful framing device creating a show that felt tight, light and meaningful. Loud laughs and not a dry eye in the audience.... full review

I was BLOWN AWAY! Through humor, The Abyss tackles the way we feel when we lose control of our lives and the people in them. It's a show that's deeply personal and surprisingly universal. I don't want to spoil anything, but in 50 minutes, Brendan does what most artists couldn't do in a day! Emily's direction is subtle and beautiful. I've been a fan of Brendan's stand up for years, but this show takes things to a whole different level. I laughed. I cried. I questioned myself. GO SEE THIS SHOW! ... full review

The Abyss is one of those rare shows that completely pulls you in from the moment it begins and refuses to let go. Seamlessly blending comedy and drama, it's laugh-out-loud funny one moment and genuinely heartbreaking the next. What makes the show so compelling is its ability to balance humor with real emotional depth. The story unfolds in a way that feels both intimate and universal, drawing the audience deeper and deeper into its world. By the end, you're not just watching the characters — you're invested in them. Brendan delivers a phenomenal performance, carrying the show with remarkable charisma, vulnerability, and precision. His ability to shift effortlessly between comedy and emotional truth is captivating to watch and serves as the... full review

This show is incredible. Masterfully crafted, Brendan takes you on a journey into The Abyss that manages to be both laugh out loud hysterical and heartbreakingly poignant. Brendan gives a stunning, personal performance that makes you reflect on your own relationships fears, and explores a type of relationship so often misunderstood. ... full review

I will be thinking about THE ABYSS for a long time. It managed to be deeply vulnerable and hysterically funny - I laughed out loud, I cried, I applauded mid-show multiple times. This is a piece of art you do you not want to miss, something you will absolutely say "I saw this when." Brendan Scannell is a special performer, it's impeccably directed by Emily Olcott, and being in that room to experience this show is a true gift. Run don't walk!... full review

Brendan really made something truly special here - that perfect balance of crying laughing and just plain crying - a deeply personal story told in such a unique, hilarious, and touching way - a must see! ... full review