The Crawl at the Edinburgh Fringe is an original, high-energy comedy that takes a simple idea—a swimming race with no water—and turns it into a playful and surprisingly thoughtful piece of physical theatre. Performed by Alexander Burnett and Ellie Whittaker and directed by Olivia Zerphy (Voloz Collective, The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much), the show features two swimmers going head-to-head in the most intense competition of their lives. But instead of a pool, they’re on a bare stage, using nothing but their bodies, a few props, and a brilliantly original soundtrack to bring the story to life.
The show blends visual storytelling with expressive physicality to create a world full of absurd ambition. The performers switch seamlessly between characters—athletes, commentators, and overzealous coaches—offering a clever and entertaining take on the culture of competition. There’s a cartoonish, larger-than-life energy to the performances, but also an undercurrent of emotional truth that makes the silliness feel strangely resonant.
I saw The Crawl with my ten-year-old son, who usually loves physical comedy. While he found some moments funny, the show didn’t completely land for him. He wasn’t bored, but he wasn’t captivated either. That said, he was one of only two children in the audience, and the adults around us—including me—were clearly enjoying it. There were some innuendos, but nothing that made it unsuitable for children aged seven or eight and up. The hour-long runtime might be a little much for younger kids, but for older children, teens, and adults, it hits a sweet spot—funny, well-paced, and genuinely entertaining.
The performers are clearly skilled, and there’s an easy charm to the way they engage with the audience. Some gentle audience participation adds to the fun, without ever becoming awkward or forced. While The Crawl might not go down as the most magical or unforgettable show I’ve ever seen at the Fringe, it was certainly one of the more enjoyable. In a festival full of loud, chaotic children’s shows, this one stands out for being clever, well-crafted, and refreshingly not annoying.
The venue—the 10 Dome at Pleasance Dome—is central and easy to find. Staff were helpful in guiding us to the right room, which was appreciated given how busy the area can get. The toilets are clean, though located down a long flight of stairs, so may not be fully accessible for all audience members.
Overall, The Crawl at Edinburgh Fringe is a joyful, well-executed slice of physical comedy that will appeal to a broad range of ages. It may not have been a perfect fit for my son, but it certainly made for a fun, memorable morning at the Fringe.
Edinburgh with kids rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Please note – we received press tickets for the purpose of this review but all reviews are our own!
Tickets for The Crawl
🎟️ Venue: 10 Dome, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh
🎭 Fringe Tags: Comedy, Physical Theatre, Clown, Family, Visual Theatre
