“Thank you for calling the New Bosford Question Centre. My name is Irving Irving…”
Every call starts the same. But one day, Irving gets a query which will change the course of his life forever. Eric Woolfe’s latest creepy creation, Call Centre of Cthulhu pays homage to Lovecraft’s work while giving it the Eldritch treatment: prestidigitation, puppetry, and peril, oh my! Featuring a host of horrifying hand puppets to help tell this haunting tale, Call Centre of Cthulhu will leave you gasping with wonderment.
Set & Costumes by Melanie McNeill
Photos by Jack Woolfe Photography.
Mayor Tunkman, who has an oddly familiar swooped hairstyle, has shut down every lib’ary, resource centre, archive, you name it! It’s all been condensed into one massive call centre where residents can get answers to their most burning questions. That’s where Irving Irving works now. But one day, he receives several strange calls in a row, and then the strange things seem to be happening to him as well. His curiosity leads him down a path of mortifying murders, slumbering ancient Gods, and a chance to save all of humanity from Cthulhu’s wrath.
What a joy it is to dive back into the Eldritch Theatrical Universe (or ETU)* once again with this new show. For those who have been long time patrons of Eldritch Theatre, the mere mention of the city of New Bosford is tip-off that something eerie is about to occur. Several of the family names mentioned in Call Centre of Cthulhu are familiar, with linages we’ve explored in previous productions. I love getting to see how these stories and characters will manifest with each new play, as well as hearing my favourite running jokes.
Set & Costumes by Melanie McNeill
Photos by Jack Woolfe Photography.
Designer Melanie McNeill has outdone herself with Call Centre of Cthulhu. Cans hang from strings throughout the space, while a simple desk is set centre stage. Irving’s wild eyebrows and moustache are complimented by a striped sweater-vest and khakis. If purgatory was a call centre (and I’m pretty sure it is), this is what it would look like. The use of the “Cthulhu Cam” allows the audience to witness Woolfe’s impressive sleight of hand illusions while also enhancing the overall aesthetic of the production. With the video often layering image upon image, you start to feel like you might be losing your mind to the Ancient Ones as well.
Set & Costumes by Melanie McNeill
Photos by Jack Woolfe Photography.
Creator and performer Eric Woolfe brings his trademark comedy and charm to his latest play. One of my favourite improvised bits of this production was that any time the audience would clap for an illusion, we’d be scolded by Irving because he was scared of what was happening to him and we shouldn’t be so delighted. No matter what happens, be it technical difficulties or funny moments with audience participation, Woolfe is able to manage the chaos, and keep us all within the world of the story, while simultaneously making light of the situation. It’s masterful, and the more Eldritch shows I’m able to see, the more a marvel at how he’s able to keep control of the room.
As a former call centre employee, I could totally relate to Irving Irving’s plight; I have often been told too much information by a customer, or asked to complete some form of miracle for them. Though I did find that while Irving was dealing some pretty life or death situations, the folks calling in to him were far less insulting towards him, so I guess it all balances out in the end. Call Centre of Cthulhu serves as a reminder for everyone: the next time you call into customer service, be kind. You never know what kind of monster that person is working for.
Call Centre of Cthulhu runs at the Red Sandcastle Theatre until November 8. For more information and tickets, visit: https://eldritchtheatre.ca/callcentreofcthulhu/
*The ETU or Eldritch Theatrical Universe is a name of my own creation and has not been officially sanctioned by Eldritch Theatre. However, if they want to steal it, they’re more than welcome to do so.
Cover Photo: Eric Woolfe as Irving Irving. Set & Costumes by Melanie McNeill. Photos by Jack Woolfe Photography.
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