Harriet Richardson's "Creep" Explores Obsession and Desire

Harriet Richardson's debut solo comedy hour, titled "Creep," offers a "gloriously juicy" account of an intense and obsessive encounter with an older comedian. The performance, which premiered at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, explores themes of shame, desire, and the complexities of infatuation. Richardson, who has previously worked as a performance artist, uses her personal experiences to craft a narrative that is both scandalous and absorbing for the audience.

The show's genesis is rooted in Richardson's 2024 viral project, "100 Dates," where she engaged in online speed-dating over Valentine's Day to examine her relationship with infatuation and connection. The comedian in question initiated contact by referencing this project in his first message to her. The subsequent exchanges, as described by Richardson, escalated into blatant flirtation, including suggestive inquiries like "Do you want to see my trophy?" and the sharing of "saucy snaps." This messaging saga was abruptly halted by a frantic voice note from the comedian's manager, bringing the escalating situation to a premature end.

Richardson's performance style is characterized by an "air of a hungover postmortem," yet she delivers a "head-spinning account" of the encounter. The audience is invited to witness her journey of tracking down the comedian, a process that involved finding his eBay account and spending six months monitoring his profile on a dating app. During this period, she reportedly played his profile song hundreds of times, illustrating the depth of her obsession. The show is presented as Richardson's answer to the question of what one driven by obsession is supposed to do, framing her actions as a natural consequence of her psychological state.

"Creep" is scheduled to run at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh until August 30. The Guardian has reviewed the performance as part of its coverage of the Edinburgh Festival. Richardson's background in performance art informs her approach to the material, allowing her to present a raw and unflinching exploration of her experiences. The show aims to dissect the dynamics of power, attraction, and the societal perceptions surrounding such encounters, particularly when there is a significant age gap and a perceived imbalance of influence between the individuals involved. The narrative structure allows for a deep dive into Richardson's internal monologue and external actions, creating a compelling and thought-provoking theatrical experience.