The Skarsgård Effect
★★★☆☆ Daft
theSpace @ Niddry St (Venue 9): Thur 20 – Tue 25 Aug 2026
Review by Hugh Simpson
The Skarsgård Effect, from Ellen Eklund at theSpace @ Niddry Street for six performances only, is unashamedly silly and often unfocused, but appealing nevertheless.
Eklund’s play features the Fitzroy-Skarsgård triplets Emilia, Natalie and Linda. Their fantasy has always been that their absent Swedish father is actually the actor (and founder of a considerable dynasty) Stellan Skarsgård. The wonders of AI help them to find fame on the back of this lie. Nothing can go wrong – except possibly a trip to the Swedish film awards.
Nualla Macgregor, Ellen Eklund and Charley Crooks. Pic. Supplied.
This is in many ways a typical Fringe theatre piece – a hugely energetic if at times somewhat unformed comic romp. Much of the humour is unapologetically daft. It trades on the recognition of famous names and features heightened performances (sometimes complete with silly voices).
The structure of the narrative needs work. For example, there’s a superfluous narrator. The fact that the other characters even mention he’s unnecessary, and he soon largely vanishes, shows that no-one really has confidence in the device. There are some things being said about the nature of celebrity, the shallowness of performance, and the dangers of AI, but they are painted with the broadest of brushes. The ending, meanwhile, has an unfinished air to it.
genuinely funny
That said, there’s a great deal to admire. Eklund’s writing has real energy, and much of it is genuinely funny. She also plays Emilia with gusto and charm. The other triplets are Nualla Macgregor, who has considerable presence, and Charley Crooks, who displays enviable comic timing. All of the other roles are played by Ewan Little with versatility and commitment.
Ewan Little. Pic. Supplied.
Sarah Marie Mooney’s direction is pacy and focused, and there are some noteworthy moments, not least a musical routine written by Macgregor and Eklund and choreographed by Mariša Jagodič. James Sharp’s technical direction is notably accomplished.
While this does have the appearance of being rather unfinished, there is a great deal of promise all round here, and it provides considerable entertainment in its current state.
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval).
theSpace @ Niddry St (Studio), Niddry St, EH1 1TH. (Venue 9).
Thursday 20 – Tuesday 25 August 2026.
Daily: 5.05pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Instagram: @theskarsgardeffect
Instagram: @_ellen_eklund_
Ellen Eklund, Nualla Macgregorand Charley Crooks. Pic. Supplied.
ENDS
